adorable golden retriever puppy gif
The mix will vary from pup to pup depending on which of their parents they take after. Sheepadoodles enjoyed a massive boost in popularity when Meryl Davis and her partner Fedor Andreev, both figure skaters, showed off their pet Sheepadoodle, Bilbo Tootie-Rose Baggins on social media. They inherit the best of both parents, making for a remarkable pooch! More about the Poodle Poodles were extremely popular as pets in the past, especially for upper-class ladies. This was due to the small Poodle size which meant that carrying them around was incredibly easy. Interestingly, they were first bred in Germany to help hunt waterfowl. Their popularity has led many dog breeders to conduct experimental crossbreeding, and one of those successful breeding programs was with the Old English Sheepdog a. Poodle More about the Old English Sheepdog Just like the name suggests, Old English Sheepdogs became popular in the s with farmers who used them to herd sheep and to help control other animals on the farm. For centuries training was for rather heavy tasks around the farm. Sheepadoodles have a fascinating history, as do their parents! But why this combination? As mentioned above, first generation Sheepadoodles inherit the intelligence and active nature of sheepdogs, and the low shedding and friendly nature of the Poodle. They can be very gentle and also tend to be quiet around little ones, which is an excellent trait, especially if your baby needs a nap! The perfect pooch indeed! Thankfully not. Even though they are large, you can make it work. If you live in an apartment, you might be pushing it, but if you commit to some serious exercise every day your new furry friend will be just fine! Standard Sheepadoodles are usually medium to large. As mentioned above the standard-sized Sheepadoodle grows to about 60 to 80 pounds 18 to 30 Kg and a maximum of 16 to 22 inches 40 to 55 cm in height. Sometimes, if the Sheepdog parent is huge, then the Sheepadoodle pup can grow quite a bit larger than other pups. One example is Zammy the therapy dog, which you can watch in this video: Also thrown into the mix are Mini Sheepadoodles that are a mix of Mini Poodles and Standard Sheepdogs. They measure under 20 inches 51 cm in height and weigh between 24 to 44 pounds 11 to 20 kg. Miniature Sheepadoodles are also sometimes called a Micro Sheepadoodle. Mini Sheepadoodles are in demand far and wide due to their utterly adorable good looks and charismatic charm. Mini Sheepadoodle 5 Hey Good Looking! Sheepadoodles have sturdy and solid builds, with square or rounded faces and elongation at the snout. The skull has a broad look and appears dome shaped. They also have signature gorgeous low hanging ears, and their eyes are small and set between medium length hair. Coats can be anywhere between straight and curly. Their different colors also make them a hit with potential owners. Sheepadoodles are born black, white or both. Their colors are separated in well-defined spots that can appear randomly on any part of the body. This makes for some adorable looking puppies, some of whom almost look like Panda bears, which make them even more endearing than they already are. Some Sheepadoodles come in white and red, but these usually cost more. There are also Sheepadoodles that are entirely brown or grey, but these are relatively rare. The parents normally determine the color of the pups. As mentioned in the first paragraph the Sheepadoodles have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. How healthy are they? In general, the Sheepadoodle is a robust dog since it comes from two different purebred dogs. However, they may inherit some tendencies from their parents genetically. However, not all Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic as it depends on the genes they inherit from their parents. They tend to have a short and curly coat like their Poodle parent and as we said before shed very minimally. Trimming the hairs around their ears is also another thing you can do if you want to help prevent ear infections. Watch how training takes place in this video: They can also be taught to be watchdogs as they can recognize strangers and be trained to bark at them. Training is pretty simple and easy to carry out. Sheepadoodles should have a diet that consists of high-quality kibbles. Once in a blue moon, some wet food is a great idea but take it easy on this one as it may lead to your Sheepadoodle becoming overweight. However, being a designer dog, they are allowed into the following organizations:. But this is pretty speculative. Because it all started with their parent breeds, the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog. Although this herding dog is believed to have originated in the west of England. Interestingly enough the first documentation of the dog comes not from the written record, but from the art world. Many believe that an 18th century painting by Thomas Gainsborough features a dog resembling the Old English Sheepdog. This breed was used for generations as a hard working, herding dog. But today they have found a firm place as companions in family homes too. Some believe it be descended from French ancestors while others think that its ancestral roots lay in Germany. The poodle comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard, most often used to create the Sheepdog Poodle mix, is the largest of the three and was originally used in the hunting field. Like the Old English Sheepdog, the Standard Poodle is also now commonly found living happily in homes around the world. Fun facts about Sheepdog Poodle mix The Sheepadoodle is best known for a pretty amazing disguise — as a panda! The markings on this giant cutie really stand out from the crowd. These easy-going fur balls are usually black and white in appearance, often having one or both eyes ringed by a large patch of black fur. Topping off their cuddly look is an adorable, dark, prominent nose. Sheepadoodle coats are often mainly white in front and black on the tail end. Some pups are nearly all white or all black. Often with random splotches of the opposite color. Then again, there are some adorable Sheepadoodle full grown who resemble a giant tub of yummy chocolate chip ice cream! Sheepadoodle Size Standard poodles max out at around 65 pounds and 21 inches in height. Old English Sheepdogs stand on average around two feet in height. Males reach approximately 22 inches-plus, while females stand around 21 inches and over. These large dogs carry a good amount of weight on their frame, with anything between 60 and pounds the norm. A standard Sheepdog Poodle mix could be anywhere within these limits. And his temperament can vary too. Sheepdog Poodle mix temperament The Sheepadoodle personality will be influenced by the genetic makeup of the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog. In an ideal world, every cross breed would express only the very best qualities of each parent. But in reality as we know from our own lives! The Old English Sheepdog is praised for its gentle nature and adaptability. The large breed can be a mellow housedog, but these are big dogs that enjoy exploring and regular walks. Sheepdogs greatly enjoy being included in family time and along with the Poodle can do well with children provided that they are socialized and trained early. Old English Sheepdogs do not relish being separated from their humans and they may become destructive if left by themselves for extended periods of time. Like the Poodle, the Old English Sheepdog is a fast learner and he is an obedient dog. Poodles rank near the top in canine intelligence and are highly trainable. They enjoy pleasing their owners and retain an alert sensitivity which means they will tell you when strangers approach. Poodles have a reputation for being high strung but in fact they have naturally low levels of aggression. Training your Sheepadoodle Early socialization and positive reinforcement training techniques will go a long way. Punishment based training is not recommended and can be dangerous since it can actually mask signs of troubling behavior. Most Sheepadoodle owners describe their pups as sociable, playful, people-oriented, and displaying a sweet disposition. It is important to remember Sheepadoodle temperament could be on either end of the spectrum, or a mixture of both. Large, rambling Sheepdogs need an outlet for their physical nature. They are big, enthusiastic dogs and require proper training to curb what could easily turn into rowdy, unwanted behavior. For example, some may try to herd smaller animals or children! Poodles maintain moderate levels of energy and like to keep busy, especially mentally. They will also need company. This is not usually a dog that will be happy to be left during alone all day while you work. But keep them busy and company, and they have a good chance of being a charming companion. Your Sheepadoodle can be expected to be at risk from some of the same health issues as his parents. Both breeds are well structured. Their legs are not too short. And their muzzles are a good length. These are important features in any puppy. But there are diseases associated with each breed. Make sure your breeder has used parents health tested against the conditions common to each of them. Old English Sheepdogs health Hip dysplasia, eye disease, and hypothyroidism are all issues to be aware of with Old English Sheepdogs. Hip dysplasia is not uncommon in large breeds. It can affect one or both hips, and cause pain and stiffness. Both the Old English Sheepdog and Poodle parents should have good hip scores. Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye condition in which the retina deteriorates leading to vision loss. A dog with PRA may eventually lose both day and nighttime vision. Blind dogs are capable of adapting, but this is a disease that can and should be avoided. Unfortunately Poodles are prone to dermatological issues including sebaceous adenitis , a condition affecting the glands that lubricate the hair follicles and skin. The condition is frequently misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, complicating treatment. What you can do is make sure they are each health tested for the problems that may affect their breed to reduce the chance of this being inherited by your pup. How long do Sheepadoodles live? Old English Sheepdogs live around 11 years and Standard Poodles 12 years. Given the encouraging fact that mixed breed dogs tend to live a little longer, the average Sheepadoodle lifespan should therefore hopefully be in excess of 12 years. Feeding your Sheepdog Poodle mix Your Sheepadoodle is likely to be quite a large dog. And large breed puppies need special attention when it comes to their diet. These can be exacerbated by rapid growth. You also need to be aware of the potential for bloat, which may also be reduced by giving smaller meals and helping your pup to slow down their pace. Choose a large breed puppy food, and when they reach the cut off for your chosen brand swap them over to a large breed adult food too. How curly will depend on how much the puppy takes after the poodle parent. Old English Sheepdogs have a lovely long shaggy coat that can rightfully be described as high maintenance. Busy modern owners often lack the time or money needed to maintain a healthy, robust coat. A poodle coat is a little different. But still requires quite a bit of care. It sheds less fur than a looser coat It need regular clipping unless you are a very keen groomer Poodles are a popular pet choice for people sensitive to dog hair. This is due to their reputation for a hypoallergenic coat. However, they are not completely allergen free. And neither are their mixes. And part of the reason for that reputation is the way that the poodle fur grows. Shedding and curly hair Poodles do shed , but what happens next is the cause for their hypoallergenic reputation. Curly dog hair tends to stay trapped in the coat as it sheds. And Poodles do not have a high-maintenance undercoat. This leaves less hair on your carpet. But there can be problems. The shed hair is still there on the dog. And that trapped hair can result in matting. Unless brushed daily — and thoroughly! No guarantees for allergy sufferers So, there is no guarantee your Poodle mix will have a hypoallergenic coat. Your puppy will probably have looser curls than a Poodle. These are easier to groom. But they may have tighter curls like a Poodle Either way, the chances are they will need clipping professionally. A trip to the groomer every few weeks will usually include a bath. Which is good as Sheepadoodles may drool! A grooming routine Puppies groomed from an early age are much happier and easy to manage. Be sure to get them used to being groomed from an early age regardless. And of course you always have the option of keeping their coat clipped short, for an easier to manage regime. Do Sheepadoodles make good family pets? The Sheepadoodle is a bold choice when it comes to a family pet. Due to their potentially large size and potentially rather difficult to manage coat. However, with great socialization and diligent health testing of their parents, it is possible to turn this fluffy bear dog into a good family pet. Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs alike are not overly pushy with people, but are still very loyal and loving to their families. Rescuing a Sheepdog Poodle mix Sheepadoodles do come into dog shelters and rescue societies from time to time. There are pros and cons to rescuing but many people find it to be a good experience. Make sure you get plenty of information from the rescue center. A good rescue center will have temperament tested your dog. If you have lots of time and love to give, you are doing a wonderful thing by giving a homeless dog a place to lay their head. However, your best for finding an adult dog with this cross bred background is to contact your local Old English Sheepdog and Poodle rescues separately. Sheepadoodle Highlights Sheepadoodles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Old English Sheepdog or Poodle parents. The main colors of Sheepadoodles are a mix of black and white, but they can also be solid black and, in some cases, gray. Sheepadoodles tend to be a great choice for allergy sufferers since this mix is considered a low to non-shedder. They will need to be groomed roughly every eight weeks and must be brushed two to three times a week. Sheepadoodles will need daily walks and games of fetch for exercise. These smart pups will also need to play mentally stimulating games to prevent them from being destructive due to boredom. Their ability to emotionally connect with their owners has made the Sheepadoodle a popular therapy and emotional support dog. However, their need to be around their owners so much makes it difficult to leave them home alone for long periods of time, and they may require a dog walker or doggy daycare. Sheepadoodles are affectionate and even-tempered with children and are just as happy being around kids as they are being around adults. Sheepadoodles get along well with other animals if introduced gradually, calmly, and at an early age. They are naturally intelligent and very social animals and will enjoy the company of other pets in their household. Even though the Sheepadoodle got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the right mixed breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Sheepadoodle rescues, or check with breed specific Poodle or Old English Sheepdog rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Sheepadoodle Size As the Sheepadoodle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That being said, the Old English Sheepdog parent can be mixed with a standard, miniature, or toy poodle parent, which will affect their size. Seeing as the most common Sheepadoodle pup is one with a Standard Poodle parent, you can expect the dog to be on the larger side. Most Sheepadoodles weigh in at 60 to 80 pounds and range in height from 16 to 22 inches at the shoulder. That said, the other varieties like the toy and mini Sheepadoodles, will be smaller in size. They will enjoy snuggling with you on the couch just as much as they would enjoy going outside for a brisk walk. Some Sheepadoodles will have acquired their herding drive from their Old English Sheepdog parent and will need to burn off energy with plenty of playtime outdoors. They are rather athletic and love to swim, play fetch, and please their owners by learning new tricks. Sheepadoodle puppies are often a bit boisterous and will require training at an early age. Both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs are known to be very intelligent breeds, making the Sheepadoodle easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and treats as rewards. These obedient dogs will also love to be taught a variety of tricks, especially because they need to be mentally stimulated. Their ability to emotionally connect with their owners has made the Sheepadoodle not only a very loyal companion, but they have become a popular therapy and emotional support dog. They adore children and adults alike, and will quickly become a wonderful addition to any family. However, their need to be around their owners so much makes it difficult to leave your Sheepadoodle home alone for long periods of time, and they may require a dog walker or doggy daycare. Sheepadoodle Health The Sheepadoodle may be a mixed breed, but they are still predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog face. While most are generally healthy, many can inherit conditions that both parent breeds have, which is why it is very important to maintain good care and attend regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Sheepadoodles suffer from include: Bloat. They've become more popular in recent years because of their super-friendly personalities, low-shedding coats , and teddy bear-like appearance. Because the sheepadoodle is not a pure breed, there are no hard and fast rules about the dog's size, coloring, and appearance. However, the most common coat you'll find is a black-and-white patchwork pattern. The size of a sheepadoodle varies depending on whether the Old English sheepdog was crossed with a standard poodle , miniature poodle , or toy poodle. Appearance The sheepadoodle can tend toward one parent or the other in appearance—some will have more of the square face of an Old English sheepdog and others will have a more poodle-like domed head. But nearly all sheepadoodles share the patchwork of black and white markings that sometimes give them the appearance of a panda. These black and white markings can sometimes fade into gray similar to an Old English sheepdog's coloring as the sheepadoodle ages. On rare occasions, a sheepadoodle will be red and white. Sheepadoodles bred from mini poodles and toy poodles will be smaller. As with most poodle mixes affectionately termed "doodles" , the coat of a sheepadoodle can tend more to be straight or more curly—and it's generally hard to tell until the puppy gets a little older. Sheepadoodles are often compared to Bernedoodles , which are a mix between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog. Bernedoodles have a similar giant teddy bear vibe: big fluffy paws; shaggy faces; and furry, floppy ears. However, Bernedoodles come in a greater variety of colors and share more of the Bernese mountain dog's personality traits. Temperament The sheepadoodle owes a lot of her easygoing temperament to the Old English sheepdog, a good-natured, shaggy breed that was developed to help bring cattle and sheep to market. Because of this cross breeding, there can be a pretty wide variety of personality traits depending on the individual dog. They're exceptionally playful and sweet, and they enjoy the company of other dogs. While they might alert you to a passing stranger with a bark , they're typically a little more mellow than breeds developed specifically for guarding the home. While Old English sheepdogs can at times be independent-minded, poodles are typically very eager to please their parents by sitting on cue and learning tricks. Sheepadoodles also inherit a great deal of intelligence from their poodle forebears and have a working dog's herding instincts from the Old English sheepdog side. Living Needs Unless you opt for a mini or a toy mix, sheepadoodles are typically large dogs that will do best in a house with a fenced yard. If you live in an apartment , you should be ready to provide your sheepadoodle with regular exercise. She recommendss finding ways to integrate your dog into your regular activity: bringing them on your runs , neighborhood walks , and hikes through the woods. With their thick coats, sheepadoodles are excellent dogs for cold-weather climates. In warmer climates, Choczynski Johnson says, their owners can trim their fur a bit shorter and make sure they can relax in cool indoor spaces with plenty of water. However, given the sheepadoodles' herding background, they occasionally have a tendency to try rounding up small animals and children, so keep an eye on them at dog parks that allow small dogs and large dogs to mingle. Care While no dog are fully hypoallergenic , the combination of the Old English sheepdog and the poodle results in a very low-shedding coat, even in the first generation. Because of this, sheepadoodles can be a good fit for people who are allergic to dogs. For sheepadoodle grooming, you'll want to keep her coat in great condition, brush her frequently during the week , and have her bathed and trimmed every 8—12 weeks. You'll want to clean her ears regularly of wax and debris and trim her nails , as you would for any dog. Because they become so attached to their families, some sheepadoodles can develop separation anxiety if they're left alone for too long. Bloom suggests using positive reinforcement training from the moment your sheepadoodle puppy gets home. You can gradually increase from second increments until the puppy starts to realize it's not a big deal. If you have to leave your dog at home alone for long hours, look into options like doggy day care or a dedicated walker. As with all breeds that go from tiny puppy to large dog, it's important to start sheepadoodle training with the adult dog in mind: Don't allow or encourage your puppy to do anything you wouldn't want a pound sheepadoodle doing a year from now. Health One potential advantage to a mixed breed dog is hybrid vigor, the idea of relatively lower occurrence of genetic diseases cropping up in offspring from two vastly different genetic lines. Some scientists, however, dispute that hybrid dogs are inherently healthier than their purebred brethren. Whether you're looking for a sheepadoodle or purebred pup, consider a breeder with an excellent track record who does health screening for both parents. That being said, sheepadoodles by all accounts are relatively healthy dogs that live from 12—15 years. As with all large dogs, it's important to know the symptoms of bloat , a condition in which a dog's stomach fills with gas and expands or twists to cut off blood flow to organs. This also helps your puppy learn how to have some independent time and get mental stimulation while eating. History The origins are the sheepadoodle are murky at best: While humans have been cross-breeding dogs as long as there have been breeds, the popularity of sheepadoodles as a special hybrid of their own really only took off in the past decade or so. Some articles indicate that the "doodle" naming convention started in , which is possibly when the mixing of poodles to create a line of low-shedding dogs started to take off. The sheepadoodle's ancestors, however, have long historical roots. Old English sheepdogs were developed in the west of England as drovers, or dogs that helped livestock move along the dusty roads to market. Their tails were docked to indicate that they were working dogs this also kept their tails away from wayward hooves , giving this breed the nickname "bobtail. The curly coat that protected them from chilly water and their superb intelligence made them excellent retrievers. Fun Facts One thing is undeniable: People really, really love their sheepadoodles. Popular sheepadoodle ambassadors on social media include Otis , a big fluffy boy with a small sidekick named Sully; Zammy , a giant floof who also volunteers as a children's hospital therapy dog; and Millie , a mini sheepadoodle who lives in New York and loves to smile for the camera. Bunny the "talking" sheepadoodle is a TikTok star, known for her funny button-speech conversations. The mixed breed took another leap in popularity when Olympic figure skaters Meryl Davis and Fedor Andreev announced that they had adopted a mini sheepadoodle named Bilbo. Was this page helpful? Life Span Did You Know? A Sheepadoodle can be an F1 or an F1b. F1 Sheepadoodles are a first generation, which means their parents are an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. They are often confused, at least in name, with Shepadoodles, but they are not the same dog. Shepadoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a German Shepherd. Sheepadoodles are beautiful dogs inside and out. They tend to be extremely friendly and absolutely love their families. Because they are mixed with a Poodle, there is a chance that their coat will be low-shedding. Their kind disposition and energetic personality make them a good fit for families. Although they are not purebred dogs, and therefore are not recognized by the AKC, they are recognized by other dog registries and clubs. In addition to making a great family pet, Sheepadoodles also make great therapy dogs. A well-socialized Sheepadoodle is an intelligent and active dog who tends to be naturally friendly, calm, and sociable. They tend to get along well with other dogs, pets, and children. Sheepadoodles tend to be expressive and intuitive. They seem to innately know how to be gentle and quiet with younger children. They are a combination of a companion and working dog that loves their family and is devoted to them. This dog breed is moderately adaptable. Due to their exercise needs, they tend to be a better fit for homes with large yards. They can adapt to apartment living, as long as they get plenty of serious exercise every day. They tend to do best in moderate and cooler climates, but can adapt to other types. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Because the Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit none of the health issues of their parent breeds or can inherit the health issues from one or both of them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, a Sheepadoodle is also at risk for bloat like their parents. Bloat in dogs can quickly become dangerous, especially if gastric torsion occurs ie: the stomach flips. The Sheepadoodle is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please their owners. This tends to make them obedient, fast learners who are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although they are alert and natural watchdogs, well-socialized Sheepadoodles tend to be quiet and will have to be trained to bark at strangers. Because they seek the approval of their owners, they tend to be sensitive. Harsh scolding or tones can hurt your bond with them and could cause them to be withdrawn or unresponsive to training. They respond best to positive ongoing training methods that are consistent. The low-shedding coat is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. Sheepadoodle coats can vary from straight to curly and coat colors can be any combination of those common in Poodles. This means you can have a Sheepadoodle that is black, brown, gray, white, or a mix of colors. They only need to be bathed as needed, so having it done while at the groomer is usually a good fit. Floppy ears are more likely to trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which makes them more prone to ear infections. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. It is also one of the most preventable. By implementing good dental care for dogs early on, you can decrease the tartar buildup that causes gum disease and tooth decay. A Sheepadoodle is a high-energy dog breed. They need plenty of exercise and structured exercise routines to be happy and healthy. Their high energy and intelligence mean they need a lot of daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Giving them a job to do can help satisfy their working dog tendencies. They also tend to love water, so going swimming with your dog can be a good activity. Because they are also sociable, taking a trip to the dog park could be another great way to get rid of excess energy. Just make sure you keep activities low impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damaging developing joints. Fully-grown Sheepadoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Generally, Sheepadoodles 20 inches or shorter are considered Mini Sheepadoodles. Sheepadoodles generally live for years on average. Sheepadoodles are also sometimes called Sheepdoodles, Sheepdogpoos, Sheepposs, and Sheep-a-poos. Featured Sheepadoodle Article. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Call 11 Things to Know About Sheepadoodles All images on this page are Sheepadoodles from Grace Wood Farm Cute, fluffy, playful, loving, intelligent, fun - could the Sheepadoodle be the perfect dog? This breed is capturing the hearts of dog lovers more and more each day. Who could resist all this cuteness? It's like having your cuddly living stuffed animal to snuggle and love! Want to know more about this adorable doggie? Here are 11 things you should know about Sheepadoodles before buying one. What is a Sheepadoodle? Sheepadoodles are a hybrid cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. Drawing the best from both breeds creates a fantastic combination. By nature, Poodles have minimal possible shedding, making them unlikely to trigger allergies and great indoor pets. Fully grown Sheepadoodle from our farm Poodles are among the most highly intelligent dog breeds, known for being easy to train. They have a playful nature and are one of the friendliest dogs around. They are affectionate, loyal, sociable, and enjoy games. They are low-aggression and get along well with children and other animals. But as anyone who's owned one of these breeds knows, these sweet doggies shed A LOT! Often, their fur would end up in every crack and crevice of a home, making it nearly impossible to keep up with cleaning. Additionally, these dogs trigger allergies in humans, and if a family member suffers from a dog allergy, these breeds were not an option. Was there a breed that was a lovable, down-to-earth family pet that also was low shedding and triggered pet allergies? The answer came from the "designer dog," a hybrid between a purebred Poodle and another family-friendly breed such as the Old English Sheepdog. They are the most famous "shaggy dog," known for their vast, fluffy coats. They have a low-key and mellow temperament and are natural people-pleasers who desire to make their people feel loved and happy. They love children and other animals and always watch everything going on. They aren't yappy or prone to bark senselessly but will bark at unknown noises or strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their playfulness, kindness, and sweet nature have people in love. Sheepadoodles are bred to bring the best traits out of both breeds by selecting dams mamas and sires daddies with the best qualities from each breed. They inherit intelligence and easy trainability from both sides. They are often graced to inherit the kindness and mellow temperament from the OES. They also are bred to carry the minimal shedding and low allergy-triggering coat from the Poodle. Sheepadoodles are friendly, loving, kind, and love to play. A breed that everyone is falling in love with! Torrun, one of our OES mamas 2. How big do Sheepadoodles get? Sheepadoodle from our farm An average standard Sheepadoodle will be lbs but can be as small as 45lbs and as large as lbs. Here at Grace Wood Farm, we have also introduced smaller sizes of Sheepadoodles to fit the lifestyles of all our pup parents. These smaller sizes are sometimes more desirable for older folks who feel they don't want to handle a big doggie, those living in apartments without the space, or those who don't just don't want a giant fur baby. Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodles will be in a weight range of lbs, with an average of around lbs. Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodles are a little larger than minis but won't have the chance of getting big like some standard Sheepadoodles. They are an excellent option for those who don't want a small dog and also don't want a huge dog. Moyen is the French word for "medium," a Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodle is a tremendous medium-sized dog option. Mini Sheepadoodles will be in a range of lbs. Mirco Sheepadoodles are a cross between a mini Poodle and a mini Sheepadoodle, with a weight range potential of lbs, depending on the parents. How much do Sheepadoodles shed? Sheepadoodle from our farm Sheepadoodles are minimally shedding dogs. But as Sheepadoodles are bred to inherit the minimal shedding from the Poodle, the Sheepadoodle will likely be as low shedding as possible. This minimal shedding also makes them a low allergy-triggering dog. Many people who suffer from pet dander allergies will find that their allergies aren't triggered around a Sheepadoodle. Some with extreme allergies may still be activated, and those allergic to dog drool may also experience allergies. But an average, non-extreme dog allergy can be avoided with a Sheepadoodle. We also breed F1b Sheepadoodles, which will have the highest level of common allergy-triggering traits to meet the needs of our doggie loves who suffer from allergies. Our Sheepadoodles love kids! When the proper Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents are selected to breed for the ideal temperament as we do here at Grace Wood Farm , the result is a fantastic personality in the Sheepadoodle offspring. Sheepadoodles often have a relaxed and calm demeanor. In addition, they are friendly with children and other animals, making them fantastic family pets. They are obedient, easy to train, and love to please their family, making them an excellent addition. They are highly social dogs and will always love to be around their people. We do not recommend they be left alone without socialization for extended periods, as this breed needs to be around people and loves. If you work long hours and there is no one home for many extended hours per day, five days a week, the Sheepadoodle is not the right fit. This highly social breed could develop anxiety and depression and lead to destructive behavior if spending most of their time alone. Sheepadoodles are often very cuddly and will love to snuggle or crawl up in your lap. You will love your new snuggle buddy because they have such soft and fluffy fur! Our Sheepadoodles love snuggles! Snow from Grace Wood Farm Big, fluffy lap dogs 5. What are the colors and patterns of the Sheepadoodle's coat? The variety of coat patterns of our Sheepadoodles in the same litter Sheepadoodles are almost always born with a combination of black and white colors. As they get older, the black often can fade to various shades of gray, a trait often inherited from the OES. It is also possible for some black spots to fade or "clear" to white over time and disappear entirely! Some Sheepadoodles' adult coats can vary significantly from how they look as puppies, while others keep the same puppy colors and patterns into adulthood. Some Sheepadoodles can be almost entirely black or white, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. Coat patterns can include black markings like a tuxedo, abstract spots, polka dots, patch eyes, parti faces, masks, and many unique markings. There's always a wide range of variety in each Sheepadoodle litter! It is also possible to have Sheepadoodles in shades or with cream, brown, and red touches, although this is less common. Some can have a coat similar to the straight, fluffy hair of the OES, while others can have kinkier hair like a Poodle. On average, a Sheepadoodle bred for optimum coat will have thick, wavy hair, giving them that stuffed animal cuteness that is hard to resist. F1b Sheepadoodles are more likely to have kinky or curly hair than F1's. An average Sheepadoodle fluffy coat wave 6. What does the Sheepadoodle's coat maintenance look like? Since Sheepadoodles are mostly non-shedding dogs, you will save time by not having to clean up massive amounts of dog hair around the house. The trade-off for this luxury is that the Sheepadoodle coat will require more maintenance than some other dog breeds. Sheepadoodles must be brushed at least once a week to prevent and remove any matting in their fur. To keep an optimum coat, brush times a week or even daily if your dog looks their best. We recommend combining a de-matting brush and a regular hair brush to work through their entire coat. Sheepadoodles must also be routinely groomed to keep their hair trimmed, neat, free from matting, ears clean, and nails trimmed. You can either learn to do this yourself or, as most people do, take them to the groomer. Their ears also can get built up with dirt, moisture, and earwax, so they must be regularly cleaned to prevent problems and discomfort to the doggie. If you aren't ready to spend the time and money to groom them, this might not be the right breed for you. By nature, Sheepadoodles love to play with kids and other animals. Children often love these doggies because they look like big, fluffy stuffed animals. Don't be surprised if your kids find a new best friend in these sweet pups! Because Old English Sheepdogs are bred to herd sheep, they can be a breed that can nip at children. Some Sheepadoodles can pick up this tendency. This is most common while they are still a puppy under age 2 and is a trait that can be removed through proper training and reinforcement. Parents with young children should understand this propensity so they and their children can know what the puppy is doing and respond in a way to discourage the behavior. To better understand what a "nip" is, know they aren't biting hard or being aggressive or mean. Often it is just a herding tendency, and most often would happen when a child is running away from a group. The dog will gently nip at the child's clothes or hips like a herding dog would do to encourage a sheep to return to the fold. Because Sheepadoodles have such a strong desire to please their people and receive positive affirmation, they should quickly learn that this behavior is discouraged if they do have this tendency. With training, they should quit the behavior out of their desire to make you happy. One of the beauties of the Sheepadoodle's calm demeanor is that they get along excellently with children and are very gentle. They often will take a child's rougher play with little to no reaction and enjoy the attention they get. They also love playing games with kids and will enjoy burning off energy by running around and playing with their little humans. Sheepadoodles also love to play with other dogs and, with proper socialization, enjoy going out in public and visiting doggie parks. They also appreciate having doggie siblings and will get along great with any dogs you already have. Most dogs do best when you have two or more in a home. By nature, they are pack animals, and having a doggie sibling will help them not feel lonely or bored and often will keep them out of troublesome behavior. How long will Sheepadoodles live? Sheepadoodles have a years lifespan, meaning they will be a loving family member for years to come. How healthy are Sheepadoodles? An additional benefit to properly bred Sheepadoodles is that the likelihood of health issues more prone to the Poodle or Old English Sheepdog can be reduced through crossbreeding, often called "hybrid vigor. Crossing two healthy, purebred dogs from different breeds increases the likelihood that any negative recessive health issues will be eliminated. This doesn't mean they are impervious to health problems; with advanced age, any dog can develop health issues. Regular vet visits combed with proper diet and exercise will help a Sheepadoodle have a maximized healthy life. How active are Sheepadoodles? Sheepadoodles are an active and playful breed. They require daily exercise, play, and activity to be happy and healthy dogs. A minimum of 30 minutes per day should be given to your Sheepadoodle to exercise through walks, playing, fetch, etc. When responsibly bred for temperament, they should not be a hyperactive breed prone to exasperate their owners. The Sheepadoodle is the perfect activity level for most active families to fit your lifestyle. Do you have kids? Your children and a Sheepadoodle will love actively playing together and wearing each other out. As a parent, you can enjoy them all sleeping soundly at night after an excellent vigorous playtime. Sheepadoodles also, by nature, should enjoy water and swimming, although some dogs' personality leads them to dislike water. Sheepadoodles will play hard, but they also love to crash hard. Don't be surprised for a Sheepadoodle to curl up for a nice hard nap around the house or in your lap! How easy are Sheepadoodles to train? When bred adequately from the ideal parents, Sheepadoodles are naturally very intelligent and long to please their people. They are quick learners, and with the proper training and positive reinforcement, they will pick up housebreaking and commands. We highly recommend that every puppy go through doggie obedience classes, and often you, as the owner, are the ones that will learn the most from the lessons! Understanding best practices with dog training will set you and your Sheepadoodle up for the best scenario to have a happy and positive human-to-doggie relationship. Sheepadoodles can also be trained to bark at unknown strangers or unusual sounds, making them excellent watchdogs. Yet their gentle demeanor as a breed will help them with positive reinforcement to learn to still interact well with new people and animals. Sheepadoodles can quickly learn commands and love positive reinforcement as they crave their people's approval. We've had dogs from our previous Sheepadoodle litters be trained by their new owners to participate in dog competitions, completing various tricks, obstacle courses, and complicated commands. Check out this video of Snow, one of the Sheepadoodles from our farm, in a competition: Sheepadoodles are so bright; this mom trained her pup to talk to her through a soundboard! If you've never seen this video, be prepared to be surprised, we've never seen anything like it! Put all this together, and you can see why we believe that Sheepadoodles are the best dogs around! The real question to ask yourself now is: why don't I have a Sheepadoodle yet? Interested in getting a Sheepadoodle? Call us today at or click here to get in line for one of our upcoming Sheepadoodle litters! The Sheepadoodle is highly intelligent and very loyal to their owners, they are watchful which makes them a great family dog. They get on well with everyone of all ages, absolutely adore children and are very open to positive interaction with other dogs. The Sheepadoodle owes a lot of its easy-going laid-back temperament to the Old English sheepdog, a beautifully natured, shaggy breed that is very fun, goofy and playful. There are few breeds that are better with children than Sheepadoodles. They love to play and are not in any way aggressive. The friendly demeanour they display is irresistible to children. You may find your sheepadoodle herding your children, they are truly a protector, Old English Sheepdogs usually have a natural herding instinct, due to their working dog heritage. Sheepadoodles are famously trainable as they inherit the intelligence and active nature of both parent breeds. Due to their natural ability to read human emotions so well, they very often make great therapy or emotional support dogs. If you want a loveable, protective, intelligent and energetic family member who will always keep you entertained and your home safe, the Sheepadoodle may be just the right dog for you and your family! It can either have a straight wavy look or a soft looping curl. The fleece coat is a very low to non-shedding, low allergenic coat. Fleece coats rarely if ever shed, your Sheepadoodle will require clipping times a year. You can do this yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer. Regular grooming will also make the coat more manageable. A good weekly brush should be sufficient. Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic? The Poodle has a tightly curly, non-shedding coat and the Old English Sheepdog has a long-haired double coat which sheds only seasonally. While no dog is considered fully hypo-allergenic the combination of the Old English sheepdog and the poodle results in a very low-shedding coat. Sheepadoodle Colours Our Sheepadoodles come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. 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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are a family breeder located on a 6 acre hobby farm in the beautiful hills of Western NY. After a mini goldendoodle became part of our lives, we knew we had to be a part of the doodle world. We have searched long and hard for the perfect dogs and are so excited to introduce you to our Bernedoodles. Our dogs are members of our family and we can't wait to help you find a new member for yours. We believe in bringing you the best dogs that are healthy, loving, loyal and family oriented. Specializing In: Currently we are specializing in traditional tri, phantom tri and parti tri colored F1 and F1b Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles combine the athleticism and intelligence of the Standard Poodle with the calm, laid back and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. With good breeding, the resulting puppies are beautiful, playful, affectionate, loyal, sweet and sometime quite comical. They are low to no shedding and tend to be allergy friendly. Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between between 80 lbs. Our Miniature Pups will weigh between lbs. My Bernedoodles are usually black, brown and white in a vaiety of color patters. I am also looking at adding a blue Merle to my pups. I love all Bernedoodle colors and work hard to breed puppies that are beautiful and have great temperaments. Some can have the taller but more slight build of the poodle, others have the stockier build of the Bernese. Their coats come in a variety of styles as well. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat, which are low to no shedding. Some can also have a curlier coat more like the poodle. Generally, the curlier the coat the less likely it is to shed. With little to no shedding, Bernedoodle coats can get matted. They need to be brushed regularly and clipped every few months. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. I currently do not breed F2 Bernedoodles. They are all about people and are happiest when they're spending time with their families: playing, cuddling, and making us laugh. The puppies are raised in our home, being snuggled daily by our children, and come with a 12 month genetic health guarantee. Our Bernedoodles are from excellent bloodlines and all Pedigree information traces back to their AKC lineage. Our Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with allergies. F1 Bernedoodles all have loose wavy coats that are typically minimal to light shedding, while F1B Bernedoodles coats can be loose wavy just like the F1 or curly and there are both coat types within the F1B litter. The F1B Bernedoodle is typically minimal to non-shedding. The coat of a Bernedoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Bernedoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Bernedoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. The coat colors of Bernedoodles can vary based on the color genetics of the parents. We will also have Parti Bernedoodles. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. The Bernedoodle can be independent and does great being with family engaging in play, then happily laying on their own with a toy. It is still unknown how long Bernedoodles will live as it is a newer cross. The expected lifespan is hoped to be years. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Bernedoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! The F.These pups are from the reproducing of an F1 Bernedoodle and a Poodle. Despite the fact that they are less inclined to shed, these F1B Standard Bernedoodle puppies lose a portion of the uncommon Bernese attributes most individuals are searching for and are certainly more likely to inherit a congenital health defect due to breeding a poodle gene back to another poodle gene. F2 Standard Bernedoodle - This is a mix between two Standard F1 Bernedoodles and is certainly not recommended by HC Bernedoodles, due to possibly having very bad conformation and being much more likely to have congenital health defects. Standard Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in lots of different colors, a solid color Bernedoodle may be black, sable, blue,silver, or possibly many more colors. Solid colors gerally have a white foot or 2 and sometimes a white snip on there nose that will disappear by the time they mature. A bi color Bernedoodle is classified as any bernedoodle that has any separate two colors. Colors you may see in bi-color Bernedoodles may be black and white, sable and white, silver and white , Black and Tan and many more colors. A Tri color Bernedoodle is a bernedoodle that has 3 different colors which may consist of black,white and tan and considered the traditional Tri color Bernedoodle, sable, white, and tan and considered a sable Tri bernedoodle. Any of these colors that carry for the fading gene which is carried by many poodles may fade into much lighter colors as they mature. The sable colors , sometimes fade to the extent that your sable bernedoodle may actually be mistaken for there cousin, the goldendoodle. You will also see a curly coat which will generally be minimal to nonshedding coat. When comparing the two coats the curly coat will almost certainly shed less than the wavy coat and may be more suitable for allergy sufferers. Standard Bernedoodle Temperament With the bernedoodle being a combination of two different breeds, it is common to see traits from both sides of the breeds. You will certainly see the intelligence and ease of training from the poodle side and the affectionate, loving Bernese Mountain Dog trait. Bernedoodles, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, can be a little wary around strangers, so early socialization is important. Something to keep in mind about this breed is that they need a lot of human attention and do not fair well with being alone for very long periods at a time. Standard Bernedoodle Training It is certainly recommended to start with training while your bernedoodle puppy is still young. A bernedoodle can be a bit headstrong like the Bernese Mountain dog. Consistency, patience, and a gentle hand are the key to a well trained bernedoodle puppy. Health Bernedoodles, being a hybrid mix breed are very healthy. A hybrid mix breed is less likely to develop congenital health defects than a purebred due to the gene pool being much larger. That is not to say that is is not possible for a bernedoodle to develop a health problem, all breeds have the possibility to have health defects. A few of the health defects that a bernedoodle may develop, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, skins problems, Von Willebrand's Disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. Exercise It is typical for a bernedoodle to be a moderately active breed and daily exercise should be sufficient to satisfy their needs. If you would like to be notified, please contact us and we will notify you when our Standard Bernedoodle become available. Standard Bernedoodle Past Litters. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article.
Avery is beautiful brindle boxer with a white chest. She was born on May 17th with 8 other litter mates. Avery will come with full AKC registration. Her tail is docked and dewclaws removed. She will be vaccinated and vet check by adoption day which is July .Avery will come with a1 year health guarantee that covers any genetic or hereditary issues. He was born on May 17th along with his 8 litter mates. Casper is a handsome sealed boxer. He will come with full AKC registration. His tail is docked and dew claws removed. He will be vet checked, vaccinated, and dewormed by adoption day on July 17th. We hope one of our boxer babies will be a great addition to your family! Tyson is a handsome brindle boxer. She was born on May 17th along with her 8 litter mates. Iris is a beautiful brindle boxer. She will come with full AKC registration. Her tail is docked and dew claws removed. She will be vet checked, vaccinated, and dewormed by adoption day on July 17th. Brooklyn is a beautiful sealed boxer. River is a beautiful brindle boxer. Nola is a beautiful brindle boxer. Rousey is a beautiful sealed boxer. View Detail boxer pup Mixey This is Mixey. Mixey is a beautiful sealed boxer. Boxer babies! We have 6 more female boxers available for adoption on July 17th. We have beautiful brindle and sealed boxers available. These girls will come with full AKC registration. Their tails docked and dewclaws removed. They will be vaccinated and vet check by adoption day which is July 17 and they will come with a1 year health guarantee that covers any genetic or hereditary issues. View Detail Puppies for sale, 50 dollors each! These puppies are a mix between a german sheperd and a chocolate lab. They were born on the 15th of April. Two are male while seven are female. Some of the puppies like to jump on things and others like to get into things. When feeding them, just feed them like normal dogs instead of puppies. All of them go on puppie pads, only once in a while they have an accident. These puppies do sometimes make a mess while eating so i recommend putting them and the food on an easy to clean place. They love the outside but make sure to keep them inside at night. She is only 9 weeks old. View Detail Miniature Schnauzer's puppies I have 1 beautiful Miniature Schnauzer's puppy for sale he is liver color 1 boy 7 weeks old today will be ready for his furever home on May 2 .He has been wormed and has his 1st shots. Hi, I am Kyra. I am a 13 week old puppy girl. My birthday is November 26th!! Recently dewormed again. I weigh around 13 pounds. I am looking for a permanent home with loving family. I love kids and other animals. If interested in me please contact - xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. View Detail Double doodles Doodle puppies utd on shots, we have 1 tan boy, 2 tan girls and one black girl. UTD on shots and deworming. Very well socialized. Raised inside with children and other dogs. Loves to play with toys and children. For more info text or call xxx-xxx-xxxx she might just be that gift your looking for. Welcome to TrustedPuppies. Known as the Buckeye State due to its abundance of buckeye trees, Ohio is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, and is a fantastic destination for dog lovers and their furry companions. Our primary mission is to connect you with the best Ohio Boxer breeders and puppies for sale throughout Ohio. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. With an estimated population of over 2. Ohio has a thriving dog community with a wealth of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events available for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. Dine with your pup at popular spots like The DogHouse in Columbus, where you can savor delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the charming state of Ohio. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies.
Oh, the humanity! Fret not, this article should shed a bit more light on this uncommon occurrence, why it happens and how it affects you. What are normal purebred German Shepherd eye colors? Different shades of brown, green, hazel …and blue are normal eye colors. But green, gray and hazel-colored eyes are also normal. More importantly, although blue eyes are rare, depending on the circumstances, they can occur naturally in German Shepherds. The recessive gene or a mutation therein, is typically the main reason as to why every once in a while, a black German Shepherd with blue eyes comes out of a German Shepherd litter of mainly brown-eyed offspring. If you still remember your biology class back in high school with your teacher endlessly droning on about Gregor Mendel and his genetics work, then worrying about your black German Shepherd with blue eyes is a textbook example of this application. German Shepherd eye color changes happen much in the same way that eye color changes happen in normal dogs. Recent research has shown that the amino acid melanin is chiefly responsible for lighter or darker shades of eye colors in dogs. Melanin also determines coat color. More on this later. Is my German Shepherd still a purebred if it has blue eyes? Yes, but not necessarily. To understand why blue-eyed purebred German Shepherds are such a controversial topic, it pays to know why purebred dogs are so highly-valued. Continuing on this line of thinking, blue eyes are a common trait inherent to the Siberian Husky breed and may be a telltale sign that your German Shepherd is not purebred. Purebred dogs are typically associated with the following traits: Well-socialized Prone to suffer genetically-acquired diseases Typically the only kinds of dogs recognized and supported by kennel clubs While mixed-breed dogs are known to exhibit the following: Prone to suffer fear-based behavior problems Have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases Generally accepted as being more hardy than purebreds It is important to note, however, that white German Shepherds also known as White Shepherds are recognized as their own breed, and should not be confused with mixed-breeds or an offshoot genetic mutation. See also The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Breed Guide And Information If you find cause for concern regarding your white German Shepherd with blue eyes or any kind of dog with unusually colored eyes for that matter , do some research, reach out to your local vet and inquire about genetic testing for your pet. Is it normal for German Shepherd eyes to change color over time? Melanin as a contributing factor to German Shepherd eye color change was a fact mentioned earlier. This happens because melanin takes time to produce. Because this is the case, it is not uncommon for a baby German Shepherd with blue eyes to have its eye color change over the course of a few months. On the same note, it is normal to find puppies with blue eyes regardless of breed because of this lack of melanin. In addition, it should also be noted that other eye conditions may result in eye color changes for your German Shepherd. All the more so if your German Shepherd is a puppy! More often than not, there are plenty of conditions that account for German Shepherd eye color changes or blue eyes outside of breed. See also The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Breed Guide On the downside, this may mean that there is a small chance your German Shepherd is experiencing some kind of degenerative eye disease or disorder. But in any case, with the advent of modern technology, it should be easier than ever to inquire about your German Shepherd with blue eyes, including requesting genetics tests. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Jul 22, Share You have probably seen a cat or husky with blue eyes, but have you ever seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes? Probably not. To learn more about German Shepherds with blue eyes, read on. This article covers everything you could possibly want to know about German Shepherds with blue eyes. The majority of both purebred German Shepherds and mixed German Shepherds have brown eyes because it is the dominant trait. In contrast, the blue eye color is a recessive trait. For a recessive gene to appear, both parents must have the same trait. Interestingly, the recessive trait that causes German Shepherds to have blue eyes is also found in humans, but it is simply more common in humans. Thus, the German Shepherd has a bluer appearance, and its eyes are blue instead of brown. Although it may sound weird that blue eyes are blue due to lack of pigmentation, the same is true of human blue eyes. Whereas humans with blue eyes can come in all sizes and races, German Shepherds with blue eyes tend to look the same, but they look different from the classic German Shepherd. German Shepherds that end up having blue eyes are called Blue German Shepherds. A Blue German Shepherd can come in three colorations, including blue and black, blue, and dark brown, and blue and tan. Often, the blue and black coloration makes the dog appear dark gray all over. It is considered very rare for German Shepherds to have blue eyes. Not only must the German Shepherd have the recessive gene, but it also must have blue eyes. Plus, most breeders prefer not to waste time breeding Blue German Shepherds for reasons we will discuss next. This recessive gene can be seen in other dogs, such as Dobermans. In Dobermans, the gene can cause the dog to have certain skin conditions. In German Shepherds, there is no negative health link between the recessive gene and the dog. That being said, many breeders avoid breeding Blue German Shepherds because kennel associations view them as a defect. What this means is that you cannot present your German Shepherd at dog shows because the blue coloration is a fault. Of course, you can always find a Blue German Shepherd if you want one specifically and have no intention of showing it. Final Thoughts If you have seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes, you have seen a real treat. German Shepherds can have blue eyes only if they have the recessive gene. Even though the gene is not associated with any health defects, kennel associations view the color as a defect and most breeders view it as a waste of time to breed these dogs. Despite the rarity of blue-eyed German Shepherds, they will bring you just as much fun, love, and companionship as a classic German Shepherd. Related Reads:. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! A German Shepherd can have blue eyes due to a genetic defect that causes one or both eyes to be a different color. Their piercingly blue eyes have little to no effect on their temperament, so you can expect the same characteristics as a typical German Shepherd. Watch This NOW! The genetic site that causes the blue color is the D dilute locus. The diluted pigment lightens coats from black to blue. It causes, in effect, a watered-down version of black. The two alleles connected with dilution are D dominant full color and d recessive dilute. It takes two recessive alleles dd to lighten black pigment to blue. In simple terms, both parents must carry and pass on the recessive D gene for a German Shepherd to have blue eyes. It is, therefore, impossible for a blue-colored dog to have any black on its coat. While these dogs are beautiful, the American Kennel Club classifies their eyes as an issue, docking points or refusing to let them rank in conformation. So although blue-eyed German Shepherds can enter events, they are seldom seen. This causes controversy among owners of blue GSDs, who often feel discriminated against. A German Shepherd with blue eyes is extremely rare because both parents must carry the recessive D locus gene, home to the dilution gene. When a dog is homozygous for dilute, a black dog will become blue. So it is highly uncommon to get two mutated copies of the gene that causes blue eyes. While many dog breeds can also lose pigmentation in their eyes to make them look blue, a German Shepherd can have truly blue eyes, albeit unique. German Shepherds with blue eyes can be purebred or mixed. This trait is much more common if mixed with a husky since these dogs can naturally have blue eyes. However, a purebred German Shepherd can have light brown, dark brown, golden, hazel, or blue eyes without another breed in the mix. Send a quick sample and find out if your pup is mixed or if his blue eyes are a purebred genetic rarity. All GSDs have striking features, but adding blue eyes makes them even more beautiful. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can also be quite confident and brave. When raised in the right household, these dogs will feel proud of themselves and their territory. Common Health Problems German Shepherds with blue eyes are prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and digestive issues as they age. All of these health concerns can be minimized or managements with the three following tips: Healthy food is crucial from birth through their senior years. German Shepherds need up to two hours of exercise daily. Attention and affection prevent the anxiety that can cause stress, seizures, and blood pressure problems. I also recommend you invest in a good orthopedic bed suitable for large breeds as they help prevent mobility issues and ease pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Some owners might be concerned that blue eyes in a German Shepherd cause additional health concerns. But are blue eyes in the German Shepherd breed a health concern? These lovely dogs are just as healthy as the standard brown-eyed German Shepherds. Their health predictability is based on their genetics, diet, activity, and affection. So what causes the confusion? Some dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Great Dane, carry the M-locus Merle gene that causes mottled white patches of fur, solid or piebald, on the face and body. Breeding two Merle gene carriers is, therefore expressly forbidden and deemed inhumane. However, this presents an opportunity to bring a gorgeous pup into your home. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. The few with blue eyes owe their eye color to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can have two blue eyes, or they can be odd-eyed with one blue eye and one brown eye. Dogs with odd eyes are sometimes described as having heterochromia. A Blue German Shepherd is one with a color variation caused by a recessive gene. It dilutes black pigment so the fur will appear blue-gray or silver-gray rather than black. On the other hand, powder blue German Shepherds have lighter colors. Blue GSDs can be blue-and-black, blue-and-tan, or blue-and-sable dark brown. Strangely enough, Blue German Shepherds can appear in litters containing prototypical black-and-tan pups. While the blue color is a normal variation, both the AKC and many breeders consider it a defect of sorts. Well sometimes at least… The Dog Breed Info website includes a list of dog breeds that are known to have blue eyes on occasion. While all puppies are born with blue eyes, the breeds listed can actually retain their blue eyes as adults. A German Shepherd mix can inherit blue eyes from the GSD parent, or from the non-Shepherd parent if the breed has been known to have blue eyes. These dogs, which are also known as Siberian Shepherds or German Huskies, often inherit blue eyes from their Husky parents. Generally speaking, blue-eyed German Shepherds are as healthy as their brown-eyed relatives. There are, however, some unfortunate exceptions. While this sounds harmless and even attractive, dogs that inherit the merle gene from both parents often have birth defects. Mating two carriers of the merle gene is thus considered inhumane and strictly forbidden. However, a German Shepherd mix can have the merle gene. Such examples of breeds affected by the merle gene include the Australian Shepherd, the Collie, the Great Dane, and the Shetland Sheepdog. An albino dog will thus not only have pure white fur, but the skin around their nose and eyes will be a very pale pink. The eyes may have some pigment and be a very pale blue, or have no pigment and appear pinkish. The pink color is actually due to the blood flowing beneath the skin. Albino dogs of any breed are generally healthy, but they are very sensitive to light and are vulnerable to both sunburn and skin cancer. Are White German Shepherds Albino? In most cases, no. That gene has two alleles or versions: white and non-white. White is recessive, so a puppy would have to inherit the trait from both parents. One big difference between white German Shepherds and albinos is that the gene for albinism affects the skin and eyes as well as the coat. Those that do have blue eyes are the result of another recessive gene. Cataracts, for example, cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and appear to be a hazy blue. Glaucoma can also make eyes appear cloudy blue. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are born with blue eyes! In fact, all puppies are born with blue eyes, no matter what breed their parents are. This is because the reason behind puppies having blue eyes has nothing to do with inherited genetics. Blue eyes are caused by a lack of melanin in the irises. It is natural for puppies to be born with this imbalance, as melanin is something that develops as they age. This is why puppies are born with blue eyes but will grow out of them by the week mark. But, the irises are never really blue. They are actually clear, but they appear to look blue. However, some dog breeds can retain blue eyes as they grow older. Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, however, this is very rare. Blue eyes in German Shepherds are caused by a genetic mutation in the breed line, as the majority of German Shepherds will have brown eyes. However, this genetic mutation does not mean that your German Shepherd has something wrong with them. In some dog breeds, blue eyes can be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. But, German Shepherds are one of the few dog breeds where blue eyes are relatively common. So much so that a sub-breed is recognized for these German Shepherds with blue eyes. So yes, full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, and these dogs are just as healthy as any other kind of German Shepherd. How much is a German Shepherd with Blue Eyes? As German Shepherds with blue eyes, or blue Shepherds as they are otherwise known, are relatively rare, you can expect to pay more for them than a regular German Shepherd. This is because blue Shepherds are viewed as a premium dog breed. They are very rare, so when a breeder manages to breed this type of German Shepherd successfully, they will want premium prices for the puppies. Additionally, you should expect to pay higher prices for a German Shepherd that has a single blue eye, as this is also considered premium. Does a Blue eye mean a Dog is blind? No, a blue eye in your dog does not mean that your dog is blind, or that it is going to go blind at some point. Blindness is rarely the cause of this. You might also think that blue eyes are a sign that your dog is deaf. This is probably because blue eyes in cats have been linked with deafness. So, no blue eyes are not a sign that your dog is blind. In fact, there are no health concerns linked with blue eyes in dogs, it is simply a genetic mutation. Often used by police forces and militaries due to their physical strength and protective nature, the German Shepherd has also become a household favorite for millions of Americans. But can these dark-eyed beauties have blue eyes instead? A German Shepherd can have blue eyes, though this rarely happens. German Shepherd puppies are almost always born with blue eyes, but they grow out of this stage within a few months. Genetic mutations or cross breeding practices may also result in a blue-eyed German Shepherd Dog. In most of these instances, the blue eyes fade into dark brown eyes over time and are only seen in very young pups. However, in some rare cases, blue eyes have been seen in purebred, adult German Shepherd Dogs. This pale coloration is the result of an extremely uncommon genetic mutation carried by both breeding parents. The only other way to get a German Shepherd with blue eyes is to crossbreed it with a similarly-sized dog with naturally blue eyes. Still, dark eyes tend to be dominant over light-colored eyes, so the chances of breeding a puppy with mixed German Shepherd genes and blue eyes are minimal. Generally, blue-eyed German Shepherd Dogs fall into one of three categories. This biological certainty means that virtually all German Shepherd Dog puppies will be born with blue eyes. Well, for most growing puppies and adults, this is the truth. But GSDs are the product of more than a century of inbreeding, and this practice is infamous for bringing forth recessive genetic abnormalities. As such, breeding parents with recessive genes for blue eyes may still have mostly dark-eyed offspring. However, if you were to breed a German Shepherd Dog with a naturally blue-eyed breed like the Weimaraner, Australian Shepherd, or Siberian Husky , your chances of seeing blue-eyed offspring could be increased two-fold. You can increase your chances of getting light-eyed shepherding dogs by understanding Punnett squares , genotypes, and phenotypes. A phenotype is a physical characteristic that can be seen and categorized. Genotype directly influences the phenotype. For example, if you carry the genotype for tall height, your phenotype will reflect this, and you will be taller than the average person. Dog breeders benefit from being able to view the phenotypes of their animals and the resulting offspring. Using this information, they can begin to determine genotypes within their breeding pairs. This data allows them to choose breeding couples based upon genetic likelihoods. Of course, canine genetic testing is also available. Still, it may be worthwhile to perform canine genetic testing on your most prized German Shepherd Dog and a purebred breeding partner with a long ancestry of blue eyes. These dogs also tend to be medium-to-large in size and have robust, sleek bodies. Like other types of shepherd dogs, the German Shepherd has a relatively slim snout and pointed face. However, unlike other modern shepherd pups, the GSD almost always has dark, coffee-brown eyes. This difference is a stark contrast to the bright-eyed Australian Shepherd or the heterochromia -prone Blue Merle Collie. History The s was a very different time. In Germany, the various kingdoms and princedoms were still getting accustomed to being unified into a single nation. And a nobleman named Max von Stephanitz was opting to learn about veterinary medicine rather than military wit. In particular, Stephanitz had a deep love for German shepherd dogs. However, there was no such standardized breed when he was growing up. At the age of about 25, Stephanitz changed that. He then proceeded to breed that pup and create the German Shepherd Dog breed. Appearance German Shepherds are medium-to-large in size. They have dark brown or black coats that trail from their heads to the tips of their tails. Beneath this dark layer of fur is a creamy, brownish-beige layer. They tend to have muscular bodies built for running, jumping, and warding off larger predators. In many ways, their appearance is very similar to that of a wild wolf. However, generations of inbreeding have resulted in a standard coloration that is difficult to miss. Bi-weekly trips to the local dog park and daily walks are a must. This breed can become aggressive when not allowed to exercise and release pent-up energy. Inadequate training can also result in negative behaviors, including biting. Early training is necessary to curtail these unwanted behaviors. Still, German Shepherd Dogs are quite intelligent and tend to train very quickly. Nutrition Like many large active dogs, a German Shepherd Dog needs a rich, wholesome diet full of protein, heart-healthy oils and fats, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates. As such, a standard diet of store-bought dog kibble may not be enough to sustain them and keep them fit. Incorporating fresh foods like yogurts, lean fish, and dog-safe grains and veggies is an excellent way to keep German Shepherds in tip-top shape. Care German Shepherd Dogs have medium-length coats that are extra thick to help them survive cold and wet weather. They require weekly brushing, but sometimes could benefit from bi-weekly grooming as well. They only need bathing every four or five months. It is beloved for its loyal nature, intelligence, physical strength, and gorgeous appearance. Typically, a German Shepherd Dog has dark brown eyes. However, a GSD may have blue eyes when born or due to a rare genetic mutation. A mixed German Shepherd pup may also have blue eyes, and the likelihood of this result increases when the non-GSD parent is blue-eyed. They can occur thanks to a genetic variant in purebred dogs. This fact automatically makes them less valuable to breeders than dogs that can be shown in competitions. Because they are considered a fault, blue eyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Instead, most of them are neutered and sold as pet dogs. A breeder may continue to use a blue-eyed dog for breeding in rare cases, but only if they have exceptional features otherwise. The rarity is increased even more due to the recessive nature of this trait. Both parents have to be carriers of this gene for their puppies to have blue eyes. Brown eyes are dominant, which means that they will cover up the blue eyes trait. A dog may technically have blue eyes — but still, end up with brown due to a dominant brown-eyed gene. Instead, many of them focus on matching the breed standard — which means not using dogs with blue eyes in breeding programs. Breeders that breed show dogs will not have blue-eyed dogs available. However, you may be able to find them produced by breeders that concentrate on pet dogs. These people may even purposefully breed them because they are sometimes sought after by those looking for a pet. German Shepherds usually have brown eyes. This color is the most common and recognized by the breed standard. When many people breed German Shepherds, they aim to breed dogs with brown eyes. The brown-eyed gene is dominant. This means that the dog only needs to inherit one gene for its eyes to be brown. On the other hand, most other eye genes are recessive; the dog must receive two to develop the other eye color. The shade of brown can vary widely, though. Some dogs have dark brown eyes, while others are more of a tan. It largely depends on the amount of melanin a dog produces. More melanin equals a darker shade. There are multiple traits involved. Whether they are brown or blue is pretty easy to work out, but all the traits determining the shade can make determining their end eye color rather tricky. They may look like one of their parents — or they may not work at all. When they are first born, a puppy will not produce all the melanin that they will when they get older unless their eyes are a very light color — in which case they may never increase their melanin output. Therefore, most puppies will be born with light eyes, but they will darken as they get older. Usually, their eyes will reach their final color by the time they are about ten weeks old. This can vary widely from dog to dog, though. Some dogs may have their final color much earlier. Others may develop them much later. Some puppies may even be born with blue eyes — but these rarely stick around into adulthood. Typically, they will darken to brown within a few weeks. Instead, they happen to have blue eyes instead of the usual brown. This is a recessive trait, so your best chance of getting a puppy with blue eyes is to breed two blue-eyed adults. You may occasionally end up with a few blue-eyed puppies from breeding two brown-eyed dogs — assuming that they both have a recessive blue-eyed trait. Some German Shepherd mixed breeds also have blue eyes. Siberian Huskies are a typical example of this. Many Siberian Huskies have blue eyes. Therefore, if you breed them with a German Shepherd, your odds of getting a blue-eyed puppy are much higher. Of course, brown-eyed dogs are much more common. Finding two German Shepherds with blue-eyed traits is much more difficult than finding a Husky with blue eyes. At the moment, it is unknown. There have been few studies done on blue-eyed German Shepherds simply because there are so few of them. Most German Shepherds with blue-eyes are also mixed breeds. There are some health problems associated with blue eyes in other breeds, though. This is primarily because of the decrease in melanin that these dogs produce. For instance, German Dalmatians with blue eyes are more likely to have sensorineural deafness. However, this study also found that there was obvious inheritability even when eye color was controlled for. Therefore, other genes involved caused the deafness — not just the blue eye color itself. It may be that the blue-eyed gene itself has a large enough effect to cause deafness — or German Shepherds may not be affected at all due to their lack of this other deafness gene. Dalmatians also have an increased chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. There have been other physical traits linked to increased deafness in Dalmatians in dogs, including the amount of spotting in their coat. This may suggest that German Shepherds will have an equal chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. However, this is not known for sure. What About Merle German Shepherds? There are no merle German Shepherds. However, mixed-breed German Shepherds may have the merle gene — depending on the dog they are bred with. Sadly, the merle gene causes quite a few health problems. However, the science is pretty clear on this topic. Many proposed health problems may come along with a merle coat. However, only a few have scientific evidence supporting them. Dogs with the merle gene are nearly twice as likely to be deaf or blind than those without it. Multiple studies have drawn these conclusions. These health problems likely stem from the decrease in pigment the dog creates, leading to problems with their eyes and ears. Many breeders will not attempt to create merle German Shepherds for this reason. And these canines would not be purebred. It makes the dog worthless since they cannot be shown. Finding a blue-eyed German Shepherd is extremely difficult. For the most part, these dogs are rare. Most breeders produce dogs to be shown in the show ring. Instead, they are focused on producing pet-quality dogs. In this case, they may purposefully breed dogs with blue eyes, as many potential pet owners are willing to pay a high price for these German Shepherds. These breeders are few and far between. You may have to travel quite far to find one. And the waiting list may be substantial. If you want a dog now, you should probably settle on one with brown eyes. Due to their rarity, some people assume that this is a defect. However, it is caused by a recessive gene — it just happens to be a rare one. There may be some health problems associated with this gene. In other breeds, dogs with blue eyes are more likely to have certain health conditions. Plus, the current need for studies is relatively low, as these dogs are often not very common. If these dogs do have different health problems, the odds are likely not substantial. They might have a slightly higher chance of being deaf, for instance — but this chance will be meager. However, you may want to keep this in mind if you decide to adopt one. Conclusion Blue-eyed German Shepherds are very rare. The blue-eyed gene does exist in this breed. However, it is not nearly as common as the brown-eyed gene. Therefore, finding these dogs is difficult. Many breeders do not produce German Shepherds with blue eyes because they cannot be shown. They will avoid breeding these dogs where possible, though some blue-eyed dogs may pop up occasionally. These breeders usually market their dogs to pet owners. Stay on the lookout for more studies, which may be published as this dog becomes more popular. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
These puppies have been raised indoors and around other dogs since birth. We expect these puppies to have nice deep pigments, solid nerves, nice bone structure and all in all an excellent quality dog from top pedigrees from Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Dad is a 95 pound Sable Male with good hips and elbows along with solid nerves and a great disposition. Mom is 84 pounds with an extremely nice blocky build. She too has good hips and elbows. Mom is more of a fun loving free spirited dog. We own a 50 acre kennel in Daytona Beach, Florida. Our goal is to improve the breed through selective, quality breeding. All Imported sires and dams used for breeding have Europes highest hip ratings A Stamp. Importing German Shepherds of this quality is not easy nor is it inexpensive. Unlike most American breed Shepherds, our German Shepherd adults and puppies have great temperaments and strong nerves. Our breeding stock is here on site and impressive to say the least. You may make an appointment to visit our kennel at anytime. If you are interested in purchasing a pup in the near future, keep in mind that many times the pups are sold before the litter arrives so you may have to be on a waiting list. We take great care in the placement of our animals. The ideal home for a German Shepherd will include a yard or kennel run with plenty of daily exercise. Hope you enjoy the pictures on our site! Receive updates on new litters, get PupPact Assistance from Mike, communicate with other Shepherd's Meadow Parents and Staff or share information about your new pup. Merry Christmas! Hi Linda, I just want to give you an up date on Storm. He is doing great!! I will be going for his BH in December and hopefully soon after that for his Schutzhund one. I had a guy offer to buy him. I told him no! I was also asked if I wanted to breed him to their female. I told them, I will have to get the okay from the breeder. I am sending you some pics on his bite work. I will let you know information on next meeting which is next month. The trial is going to be held in the club field. I cant wait for you to see him! Storm received his BH — Congratulations!!! Bella is growing like a weed and I thought you might like to see how she looks at 7 months. She weighs .She has really bonded with my husband, David. She follows him everywhere. I think she will be his running companion when she gets older. She has been through training with private lessons at home and socialization at Pet Smart. Our vet is very impressed with her good nature. At our last puppy check up, Bella actually jumped into her lap. Her bark when she is playing has a high pitch. But when she sees something that should not be there it changes to a very low bark with her hair on her back standing up. Thanks for such a wonderful puppy. She really fits into our family very well. Enjoy the pictures. Mary Pizzi Hope this note finds you both doing well and enjoying the Christmas season! Well, Bella is now 1 year old. Hard to believe — she has grown so much. She is such a bright spot in our lives. We hide a toy then ask her to search. Boy, the nose goes to the ground and air until she finds it. She also gives the local squirrels a run for their money. She walks through the yard like she is a member of Seal Team Six — then she runs after them while they jump into the trees and take off. She will lay at the bottom of the tree and wait, thinking that is their only way back down. Sending a couple of pictures to show you how pretty she is. Just Beautiful! Guess we will need to take her on longer walks. Midnight is doing SO wonderfully! What a super, super dog. He is 8 months old now and around 70 pounds. He gets compliments all the time on his excellent behavior. When I walk him, sometimes other neighborhood dogs are running around loose and they come up to him. He is always looking to be friendly and meet new dogs. Even if he is provoked, he does not attack other dogs. He always looks to me for a command, and he is very focused, with excellent eye contact. He is a pleasure to walk and play with. We go down to a nearby field in my subdivision and throw balls. I sometimes wonder if any of the water makes it into his mouth!!! I yelled for someone to get her parents so they could get her to stop hurting the dogs. He was so patient and good. The other dogs yelped and snapped at her, but he was so generous with the child. We can take him for walks along Park Avenue in Winter Park, where it is very dog friendly, and he stays with us at the restaurant while we eat on the patio and enjoys a milk bone or chew toy. German Shepherds get a lot of attention. I just wanted to update you on our wonderful puppy. My mom routinely checks your web site for new puppies in case you have any females who are more tan than black. She likes the Rin-Tin-Tin style. Hope you and Emma are well! Rich Linda, I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how happy we are with Jager. He gets compliments everywhere I take him. One woman stopped in the middle of traffic to ask me if he was old enough to breed yet! The kids line up to pet him, and he loves the attention. Thanks again for a great dog. Marion L. She had 10 beautiful puppies that included Black, Sable, and Black and Tan pups!! Thank you again for everything!! I thought you would like an update on Thora! We purchased her from you last June. I have attached a picture. She is doing great, and is sweet, silly girl. She is approaching 70 pounds at 11 months old. She absolutely loves ALL kids and other animals. She is my companion on my daily walks and has always walked very well on a leash. We had her hips x-rayed and they are perfect. Her temperament, attitude and behavior is indicative of excellent breeding and she is definitely NOT our Last Shepherd from you! Have a great weekend! We have the answers you seek! What affects German Shepherd price? German Shepherd breeders Florida sell German Shepherd puppies Florida at different prices according to a number of factors. German Shepherds come in a number of different colors, but the most expensive ones are white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Florida. Breeding experience comes into play, as well as location. Pedigree also plays a big part. As there are so many breeders and businesses connected to Florida Puppies, there will be a pup for you! Can I only connect with local litters and breeders? The necessary travel arrangements will be made! How does Florida Puppies screen breeders? Florida Puppies has the highest of standards when it comes to breeding German Shepherd puppies for sale in South Florida. Why is Florida Puppies regarded as one of the best in the business? Florida Puppies has an excellent name in the business because we take the business of breeding White German Shepherd puppies Florida and other German Shepherd puppies for sale in Florida very seriously. We look at the breeding facilities, healthcare, and feeding practices of all the breeders and businesses connected to us. What is everyday life like for a German Shepherd in a puppy mill? German Shepherd puppies for sale Florida have very hard lives in puppy mills. These gorgeous puppies are treated terribly. They live their first few months of life caged up, instead of being let out to run and play. Often they will get hip dysplasia at an early age due to this, as well as many other serious health problems. Do German Shepherds have a lot of health problems? German Shepherd puppies Orlando Florida have the typical amount of health problems that most dogs have. They may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, cataracts, bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV , epilepsy, hemophilia where they can bleed severely once injured , degenerative disc disease, and allergies, among others. We have a wide network of breeders, businesses, and companies connected to us that all take pleasure in breeding the best German Shepherds around. How can Florida Puppies work for me? Just find a puppy on Florida Puppies that you like, and contact its breeder or business and in no time, it will be yours! How do I know I can trust you? We know how hard it is to find genuine and authentic German Shepherd puppies in Florida breeders and companies. There are just way too many scammers out there pretending to sell pedigree pups that actually come from puppy mills and backyards. We make sure that all the breeders and businesses connected to us are authentic. Our reviews should encourage you to put faith in us! What is the history of the German Shepherd? German army captain Max von Stephanitz was a dog breeder who registered the first German Shepherd in Germany back in .The purpose was to develop an ideal service dog specifically for utility and intelligence purposes. It served the German army in both World Wars, and Americans noticed them and brought some back home. Many German Shepherd puppies Central Florida ended up on the silver screen, and serve in the police force today. German Shepherds Available!
When will my Labrador calm down? At what age will my Labrador calm down? Labradors are wonderful dogs with happy and loving personalities. They also have lots of energy, and while this is great for walkies or playtime, sometimes it can make taking care of them harder than you might think. How can I calm down my Labrador? The good news is that even though you may have a bouncy pup there are lots of ways to engage with them and help them to focus that delightful energy. Give them the right amount of physical exercise. This may sound obvious, but getting the exercise balance right for your dog can be a big help. Mental enrichment. Reward calm behaviour. It always feels great when we get praised for doing something well, and this is no different for our dogs. So keep some treats nearby and make sure that any calm behaviour, like lying down in their bed, is rewarded. This type of positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage this behaviour to occur on a more regular basis. So next time your Labrador is driving you a little bit crazy, take a breath and give some of these things a try. To keep playtime new and exciting, here are our favourite cost effective games to play with your dog. Single page Single page Puppy Blues: How to cope when things go wrong Feeling down after getting a puppy? We talked to Becky Baker at K9 Nation to find her tips for getting through the puppy blues. Calming music Manage Your Labrador's Excess Energy With Regular Exercise This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's true that many Lab owners underestimate the intensity and amount of physical activity larger dogs like Labrador Retrievers need! Labradors are a very active breed, and they need plenty of exercise time to burn off excess energy. Keep one thing in mind: boredom is the mortal enemy of a calm dog. Getting your dog out and active shouldn't be a chore! We recommend finding ways that are a great time for you and your dog! Walks and Runs: Walks or light jogs are underrated when it comes to calming a Lab. You won't notice any change from one or two days, but keep it up for a couple of weeks, and you'll notice walks as short as a mile or two each day will see your dog chilling out. These will be good for you, too. Play Games: Mentally engaging games like fetch, tug of war, chase, or hide the treat put your dog's mind and body to work at the same time. Puzzle toys are a great way to challenge your dog's problem-solving, which goes a long way in keeping Labs calm. Tired dogs are friendly, happy, and calm dogs! Maintain a Consistent Schedule Dogs thrive on consistency. This often-overlooked detail can contribute to anxiety and hyperactivity in your Lab. Set a regular routine for your pup, and stick to it! It's the best way to keep them feeling secure and relaxed. Make sure you remember breaks, too. Giving them some time off is key in maintaining their natural energy cycle so they never feel overwhelmed or over-excited. When your dog has a feel for when playtime, meals, and bedtime are coming, they won't get hyper or anxious when they want those things. Cute tools like this dog feeding and walk reminder board can be a decorative and functional addition to your home that helps you stay on track. Pick times, and stick to them. Positive Reinforcement Training For Calming Your Dog An amazing way to help your Lab learn how to control their energy levels is through positive reinforcement training. This method focuses on rewards rather than punishments. When they do something that's not acceptable, instead of punishing them, distract them with an alternate behavior you want them to focus on. When your dog is calm, and exhibiting behavior you like, reward them! Over time, this teaches your dog that calm behavior yields rewards, and they will try to repeat it. Clicker tools are very popular amount for dog trainers and owners alike when it comes to positive reinforcement training. They help you strengthen the behavior cue by pairing a sound with another reward like a treat, praise, or some pets. Note that, in our experience, some dogs don't respond to the clicker. We've had dogs that love treats and praise, and the addition of the click did nothing. Don't be discouraged if your dog doesn't care about the click when you try to uncouple treats; it might just not be their thing. Every dog is different. These professionals deal with high-energy dogs and obedience training on a daily basis! A pro can make keeping Labs calm a walk in the dog park, if you will. It's crucial to avoid this impulse. Research shows that dogs actually respond quite poorly to punishment or negative reinforcement. This includes verbal abuse and fear-based techniques, and definitely physical harm. Never strike a dog. Not only does punishment for your dog not work in any sustainable, healthy way, but it will cause more behavioral issues down the road. In essence, punishment can trade one bad behavior for another, and the original will come back eventually. Don't forget that dogs are not people. They act and learn differently. Your dog won't understand that it is being punished; they understand that you hurt them when they do something that comes naturally to them. Positive reinforcement works so much better because it uses your dog's natural impulses towards a reward to encourage them to choose good behaviors on their own. Dogs lack the capacity to learn that natural impulses are bad; they can only learn when certain impulses are good. Calming Supplements and Other Tools There are many calming dietary supplements for dogs on the market. Their claims and effectiveness vary, but some are a great addition to a calming wellness plan that includes exercise and training. Before you seek out a supplement for your dog, remember that no supplement will solve a problem entirely. There's no getting around the training and exercise aspects of calming your hyper Lab. Here is a list of our favorite calming products to enhance any behavioral routine: Zesty Paws Calming Bites : We love this brand's joint supplements, and their calming bites are just as high-quality. With ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, tryptophan, and magnesium to support energy metabolism and calmness. ThunderShirt Anxiety Jacket : Anxiety jackets have become increasingly popular in the last few years, and we get the hype. Hyperactivity is a common way dogs cope with anxiety. These coats are like a constant hug that can calm an overactive dog. We do not recommend trying to save money on these; it remains in contact with your dog's skin for hours and hours. You want good material. Soft Calming Dog Blanket : Giving your dog a cozy blanket in a spot that is just for them can go a long way to calming them down. Dogs like having a soft place that is all their own and that smells like them. Resist the urge to wash this blanket more often than every two weeks; your dog will thank you. Calming Music for Dogs Yes, we said it. Music really can calm a dog down, as long as you pick the right kind! The type of music your pup responds to best is likely different from what you enjoy personally. We suggest trying out some calming classical or nature sounds tailored specifically for dogs. YouTube, Amazon, and Spotify are packed with calming dog-centric music. One of our favorites is this video. Or should we say our dogs' favorite? There are a few medical conditions that can cause hyperactivity in Labradors and other dogs. Thyroid Imbalance: Known as hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, and excessive panting in dogs. Adrenal Gland Disorders: A common adrenal gland disorder called Cushing's disease can cause hyperactivity and behavioral changes. Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy. Pain or Discomfort: Dogs that are in pain or discomfort may exhibit hyperactive behavior as a way of coping. Dogs with arthritis may become restless and irritable. Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including certain steroids and stimulants, can cause hyperactivity as a side effect. There's no reason to suspect a medical cause for hyperactivity unless your dog isn't responding to any of the lifestyle techniques we've laid out above. If you notice your dog's hyperactive behavior won't improve at all, it's important to take them to the vet for a checkup. The vet will help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the behavior and recommend the appropriate treatment. What Age is a Lab Puppy the Naughtiest? Lab puppies are at their most mischievous between the ages of eight weeks and six months. This period is a time of intense learning and exploration. The whole world is new to them! Intense curiosity and youthful energy lead to behaviors like barking, chewing, and speed running. This stage of life is actually the best time to establish healthy, calming lifestyle practices with your Lab! As we said, including plenty of exercise time, playtime, and positive reinforcement training will set you up for Lab puppy success. It's also crucial to puppy-proof your home to prevent damage to your belongings and keep your Labrador puppy safe as they put their mouth on absolutely everything. What Is the Calmest Breed of Lab? Yellow Labs are widely considered to be the calmest type of Labrador Retriever. That said, there is no true difference between Labs and their energy levels. You can help any color Lab grow into a happy, calm adult dog. We hate this question because even though slight temperament differences may exist, they're absolutely not big enough to make having one color significantly easier over the other. Just like how no one supplement will do the job, one color of Lab won't train itself. People that find fur color to be a significant concern when it comes to behavior and the attention needs of a Labrador Retriever may want to consider a different breed or a cat. Calming Down Your Dog in the Car Traveling in the car is the most stressful situation in the world for a lot of dogs, particularly those that don't need to leave their homes much. Here are some tips to help calm down your dog in the car: Get Them Used to The Car: Start the desensitization process early. The earlier, the better. Take your puppy on little trips several times a week until the car doesn't stress them out. Whether you're just going around the neighborhood or stopping for a pup cup, excursions are good for them! Use a Comfortable Carrier: If your dog feels safe and secure in a carrier, this can help reduce their anxiety in the car. Keep the Car Cool and Comfortable: Make sure the car is cool and comfortable for your dog. Use air conditioning or open windows to keep the temperature comfortable, and bring a blanket or cushion for them to lie on. Use Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement training to help your dog associate car rides with positive experiences. Offer treats, praise, and affection when they are calm in the car, and avoid scolding or punishing them for anxious or hyperactive behavior. How to Calm a Dog Down for Nail Clipping Nail clipping can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience for our furry friends. They don't like having their paws grabbed, and the loud crack of the clippers can be alarming. The tips for a chill nail clipping experience are similar to the ones for a nice car ride: Start early Offer treats and praise to reinforce good behavior Desensitize them by holding their paws for short periods every so often Do Labs Calm Down After Being Spayed or Neutered? Spaying or neutering your Lab can cause some minor behavior changes, but there will not be a significant change in their energy levels. Whether or not you train your dog properly early in life is what determines how they act; early training happens to coincide with the spaying and neutering procedures on the dog ownership timeline. Spaying or neutering can help reduce hormone-driven behaviors in Labs, such as territorial marking and roaming, but won't necessarily eliminate them. Consider every funny internet video of a dog being a little too intimate with a chew toy; most of those dogs are spayed and neutered. It does definitely help prevent certain health problems, including cancer. Spaying or neutering is not a guarantee that your Lab will become calmer and more well-behaved. Other factors, such as their age, individual personality, lifestyle, and training, play the most significant role in their behavior. Recognizing an Anxious Dog Vs. Many of the signs overlap, so it's important to keep a close eye on their body language and behavior throughout the day. Keep an eye on these factors to determine if your dog is a happy dog: Energy Level: A hyper dog will be hyper most of the time, while an anxious dog will alternate between nervous, overactive states and depressed, lethargic states. Specific Behaviors: Anxious dogs tend to shake, pant, and pace excessively. A hyper dog won't exhibit these signs in the same way and certainly doesn't shake. Different Triggers: Pay attention to what sets off your dog's hyperactivity. If it's things like playtime, food, or their loved ones coming home, it's probably not an anxious energy. If loud noises, being alone, or strangers set them off, it could be anxiety. Training Response: This is a much lesser-known red flag. A hyper dog should respond well to training since their excess energy is coming from a healthy place. An anxious dog will be agonizing to train. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. What is a Hyper Dog? You should watch out for signs like: Jumping up on people and furniture Excessive barking and whining Extreme chewing or scratching Rough housing These all indicate a dog that needs to be carefully managed to ensure that they remain calm throughout the day. Some breeds are more inclined to be hyper than others, particularly working dogs who have been bred to exert physical energy all day. This should guarantee that your pup expends their energy on their walk, rather than in your home. That means not paying them any attention during their spells of hyperactivity, even to tell them off. Next, you need to make sure that the energy you project throughout your household is consistent, calm and authoritative. Dogs respect the boundaries of routine and the position of the Alpha so make sure that you embody those principles. A great way to reinforce your position as the benevolent pack leader is to have a daily obedience training practice. Manage Their Behavior with Tools There are certain tools at your disposal that can help you calm down a hyper dog in the short term and also modify their behavior for the better in the long term. As well as the obedience training we mentioned earlier, crate training your dog is a great way to establish boundaries in the home and to give your dog their own space to simply be a dog. Never use the crate as a punishment tool for a hyper dog, but instead gradually introduce them to the concept so they get to the point where they are happy and emotionally secure enough to spend a few hours in there alone with the door closed. Sufferers have symptoms like raised heart and respiratory rates, an inability to calm down unless under the influence of medication, and abnormal reactions to household noises. Another medical reason for hyper dogs is a food allergy. If your dog is allergic to these ingredients, symptoms can include restless and erratic behavior. This is usually accompanied by a bevy of physical symptoms, like hives, flatulence and increased shedding, so you should be able to tell easily if this is to blame. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Labs are known for having a lot of extra energy, and puppies, in particular, will often struggle to contain themselves when they are feeling energetic. There are simple steps you can take to calm a lab puppy down when it starts to show signs of over excitement. Stop doing whatever it is you were doing before the lab puppy started to get excited. There are all sorts of things that can excite a lab puppy. Whether that means putting away a toy the puppy was playing with or stopping a game that you were playing with the puppy, you need to remove the trigger for the excitement right away. Take your lab puppy to a quieter environment. To reach a calmer state, the puppy will need to be placed in a quiet area where it can relax for a few minutes. This could be a crate, a dimly-lit room, or even your backyard. The key is finding a place where the lab puppy can compose itself before it gets too out of control. Avoid situations that make your lab puppy excited in the first place. Once your lab puppy has calmed down, take note of what caused it to get so excited. Then, steer clear of that activity for the time being. Labs make excellent dogs, and as long as you work at it, you can keep them calm at all times. KT British Labs can provide you with a lab puppy if you are looking around for one now. Call us at today to see how you can obtain a lab puppy through us. Tweet on Twitter Today we are going to help you to relax your dog! In this article expert dog trainer Pippa Mattinson will show you how to help your hyped up dog to chill out. We will share a quick and easy technique to help your Labrador to be a more relaxed dog around the home. Labradors have a lot of energy. But some dogs find it hard to chill out at home, even after a five mile walk. If this sounds like your dog, then read on. In Relax My Dog we are going to look at how you can train your Labrador to relax more frequently throughout the day. Labrador energy are high energy dogs Some young Labradors are quite difficult to live with simply because they never really switch off. An inherently calm temperament does help to create a relaxed dog. But a lot of the hyper and excitable behavior we see in well-exercised dogs is learned. In other words, the dog has found that restless and annoying behavior works for him in some way. All too often we inadvertently reward and encourage excitable and attention seeking behaviors in our Labradors. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to stop dogs being bad. And sometimes forget to notice when they are being good. When your dog has been driving you mad and pestering you all day, your understandable reaction to his temporary air of calm, is to tiptoe past and ignore him. We do this with kids too. Dishing out attention for naughtiness and ignoring calm and peaceful behavior. We do it because we are worn out and want some peace. But all too often, it has the opposite effect. Happily, you can teach yourself to reverse this approach. Put some fresh treats in it each morning, ready for the day ahead. If you keep the treats in a tin or in the fridge, your dog is going to be leaping around with excitement each time he hears you rummaging about for his reward. Your job is simply to capture a moment in time when your dog is lost in his own world, totally at peace. He could be lying on his back in his zippy bed with a look of bliss on his face. Stretched out on his side in the sun in the back yard. Or snoozing by the fire whilst you watch TV in the evening. All behaviors that in the past you would ignore. Your dog may appear to be doing nothing, but this is still a behavior, something he has chosen to do. And all behavior can be encouraged and increased if you reinforce it using rewards. But if you find it impossible to do this without him leaping all over you, you can use a reward marker, so that your dog knows that he is being given the treat for relaxing. With a bit of practice, chilling out will soon become second nature If you forget to use the marker, just put the treat away. There will be another time. Say it quietly and calmly. And only when he is relaxed. The idea is to avoid getting him excited or worked up. Remember only use the reward marker if you really need to, and only when he is fully relaxed. Follow it as quickly as you can with the treat. And yes, when you first start this training, your unexpected generosity may have the opposite effect. You may feel as though your peace has been shattered — for now. But you need to be persistent. Ignore any silliness, and simply wait for the next time he relaxes, then try again. In the long run, overall, the more you reward him for relaxing, the more often your dog will relax. Relaxing in different places The ability to relax outside the home, even when there are interesting things going on around him can also be taught to your dog. You should start this training at home, then progress to park benches, outdoor cafes and so on. Just put your dog on the leash, sit in a chair with your book, and read while you wait for him to relax. Once he has given up on you and laid himself down, head on his paws, place a treat next to his face and go back to your book. Treat the dog at intervals, and after a few minutes more, get up and carry on with your walk, or whatever you want to do next. Always begin this training in quiet locations, and work your way up to busier ones, once the dog has learned to settle as soon as you sit down. Relax my dog — a summary Plan in advance, to catch your dog in the act of relaxing. Deliberately reward your relaxed dog with a small treat. Ignore any silliness that follows. Be persistent When teaching your dog to relax in public, use a leash to begin with. Are you ready? Next time you are about to tiptoe past your sleeping Labrador, pause instead, and drop a tiny cube of cheese or a bit of that leftover bacon from breakfast under his nose. Give it a try for a week or two and let us know how you get on. More information on helping a dog to calm down Excitable dogs can be hard work. There is plenty of information on this site to help you. Try the following:. A large bouncy dog usually makes more impact on those around him than a small one. But fortunately there are several things that we can do to help our young Labs relax and calm down a little. Knocking children over, barging into old ladies, and jumping up at visitors are common crimes. This is the peak age for excitable behavior. It can feel as though every social occasion is doomed to end up in tears. And it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many rescue dogs are given up to animal shelters or simply abandoned. When Do Puppies Calm Down? Puppies generally reach a peak of bounciness and mischief at months old. Smaller breeds often mature more quickly and may be pretty sensible by the time they are 9 months old or so. Big dogs often mature more slowly, mentally as well as physically. When do Labs Calm Down? Labs can be a little later than the average puppy in reaching the point at which you suddenly realise your pup is all grown up. But hang in there, it will come! With the right handling techniques, most young Labradors begin to calm down around their first birthday. He might seem happy as he leaps about — air nipping, barking, jumping at people, and so on. And he is often actually quite upset. Many people are quite shocked when the nice game they were playing with their young dog begins to get rougher and rougher. You may be tempted to shout at your dog if he nips you, or to give out a squeal. He needs you to help him. The first two steps help you cope with the situation when it arises. The remaining three steps help to prevent your dog having a hyper episode in the future. You do not want to fight to clip a leash on a 70lb dog while he is nipping your sleeves or barking in your face. So have him wear a training leash outdoors and a house line indoors. Never use a choke chain or slip lead on a dog that has hyper episodes. Step 2: Calming Your Dog Outdoors, the best thing to do is stop whatever you were doing with the dog when he got carried away, and start briskly leash walking. Keep walking until the dog begins to relax as he walks along next to you. If other people, children, or animals were exciting your dog, move him away from them. Indoors you can use time out. Stop all play and place the dog in a crate or room by himself to calm down for a few minutes. Give yourself a chance to calm down too, before bringing the dog back out again. Step 3: Change What You do Around Your Dog Very often dog owners unwittingly cause excitability, or at least contribute towards it, by their own behavior. This is not your fault. Fortunately, you can soon put all this right. Top Tip — be Low Key Lots of over excited greeting and squeaky voices are rewarding for your excited puppy. Pretend to be underwhelmed by your dog. Talk to him quietly and calmly, and persuade other family members to do the same. Top Tip — Avoid Physical Play Another common mistake that new puppy parents make, is getting involved in a lot of physical play with a large young dog. Inexperienced owners and teenage children often rough-house with a dog, pushing and pulling him, even rolling on the ground with him. This is something you will need to avoid completely in future. Have a look at this article — how to play safely with your dog — for better ways to engage with your growing puppy. Your dog will be calm sometimes. A while back my husband took one of our dogs to the vet for a booster. An elderly couple arrived with their Golden Retriever. The young dog lay down quietly and the owners ignored it completely, chatting to one another. After a few minutes the dog whined, and both owners turned to make a fuss of him. They then started chatting again, ignoring the now quiet dog. Each time the dog whined, the owners paid him attention, and each time he lay quietly they ignored him. This Encouraged Agitated Beahvior Within twenty minutes, the dog was whining constantly and starting to become agitated. They were no doubt convinced that the dog was upset because he was at the vets, when in fact he had been perfectly happy when he arrived. The moral of this story is: rewarding and reinforcing good, calm, behavior is very important. Step 4: Provide Activities for Your Dog Young Labradors need exercise, mental stimulation and attention, but it needs to be the right sort of exercise and the right sort of attention. Ignoring bad behavior, jumping, nipping and so on is important. But it is not the end of the story. Your young dog needs an appropriate way of engaging with his family. The Best Ways to Engage The way to achieve this is through exercise , training and brain games. Indoors, you can use puzzle toys and indoor games to entertain your dog in a calm and controlled way. Outdoors you can focus on training your dog to do what he was born to do — fetch stuff for you. But there is one more thing you can do to help. Dogs can be taught and encouraged to relax at home, and even in public places. But nonetheless some Labs do experience anxiety, and some individuals are more disposed to be nervous of things than others. Bad experiences in the past can make Lab anxious of repeating the encounter. Labs can also experience separation anxiety, or anxiety relating to old age. The behavior of an anxious dog is very different to that of an over excited dog, so the process for how to calm an anxious dog is different to managing an excited dog. Recognizing an Anxious Dog Signs your Labrador is anxious include: panting. Around six months of age, labrador puppies often start to quiet down. In order for readers to understand when Labradors will start to get calmer, this article will present a summary of the important developmental stages of Labradors. The most effective methods for training your Labrador puppy and assisting them in developing into well-mannered adults will also be covered. In order to raise your Labrador puppy to be a happy and healthy companion, we will also go through how to exercise and stimulate their minds. Because of their limitless energy and eagerness, labrador puppies may be a real handful for their owners. There is however hope because Labrador puppies will eventually learn to control their behavior as they get older and enter maturity. So when might owners anticipate their Labrador puppy starting to relax? When Labradors settle down depends on a number of variables, including the personality of the particular puppy, their age, and the amount of structure and training they receive. Labradors typically attain adult size between the ages of 12 and 18 months, though they may continue to develop until they are two years old. Around this age, Labradors will start to quiet down, but they may still be very energetic and enthusiastic. Exercise is crucial for calming down your Labrador dog in addition to training and structure. Regular exercise aids in energy burn-off and can teach your puppy to concentrate and unwind. To help pet owners provide their Labradors with the guidance they need to become well-behaved and obedient companions, dog training courses have been designed specifically for this breed. These courses offer a range of training options, from obedience training to behavior modification, and are taught by experienced trainers Your Labrador puppy will remain calm and satisfied if you take him for regular walks , give him many of toys and hobbies, and engage in activities with him. Additionally, socialization is essential to ensuring that your puppy develops into a self-assured and adaptable adult dog. This may entail exposing kids in a healthy and controlled manner to various people, animals, and environments. Around six months old, this often begins, and it will improve over the following year or two. Labradors will learn how to obey directions and behave in various settings throughout this time. Your puppy will develop into a patient and kind companion with the correct environment and training. The best way to assist your dog get used to their new home is to establish a schedule. Your puppy will feel more at ease and confident in their surroundings if you keep them on a regular feeding, resting, and activity schedule. Additionally, giving your dog lots of exercises and mental stimulation chances will help burn off extra energy and prevent boredom. Use positive reinforcement to make sure your Labrador puppy understands and learns the right behavior. Treats, compliments, and other prizes can be used to promote desirable behavior and punish unacceptable ones. To strengthen the link between the conduct and the reward, rewards should be given right away after the desired behavior. Check out these healthiest dogs treat options for your adult or puppy labradors. If a correction is required, it should be given calmly and gently, and any positive conduct should be rewarded immediately after. Praise and awards should be given for desired behaviors, while corrections should be used sparingly. Your Labrador puppy will be well on their way to developing into a well-behaved adult dog with persistence, patience, and plenty of training. You probably anticipate a Labrador puppy you bring home to be enthusiastic and bursting with activity. Although that is undoubtedly the case, there are a few things you can do to get ready for when they do ultimately quiet down. Although none of this is simple, there are methods to make it less difficult for you both. Giving your puppy a lot of structure and training is the first step. They will get the ability to maintain their attention and manage their energy as a result. In order to prepare your Labrador puppy for adulthood, exercise is also crucial. You may help them expend some of their energy while also teaching them how to concentrate and unwind by taking them on frequent walks and giving them lots of toys and activities. Additionally, it will teach them to restrain their innate eagerness, allowing them to become more composed and submissive. The use of positive reinforcement is crucial when teaching your Labrador puppy. When discipline is required, it must be done calmly and gently, and it must be followed with a reward for good conduct. For desired behaviors, praise and awards should be given, while corrections should be used sparingly. Due to their slow maturation rates, labradors require patience and understanding from their owners. Your Labrador puppy will eventually calm down and develop into a well-behaved adult dog with plenty of training and structure. Among all dog breeds, lab puppies are among the most active. Since they are still developing as puppies, they require a lot of instruction, mental stimulation, and exercise to help them concentrate and maintain their composure. They have a lot of excitement and energy, which needs to be appropriately managed or they would get bored easily and act out in inappropriate ways. Due to their breeding as working and athletic dogs, labradors have a lot of energy that needs to be channeled properly. Giving your Labrador puppy plenty of exercises and mental stimulation will help them have the correct amount of energy and prevent boredom. Labrador Dog Positive Reinforcement Training One of the best ways to train Labradors is through positive reinforcement. Labradors can learn to concentrate and maintain their obedience by receiving rewards and praise for desired behavior. You can add more difficult commands and exercises, such as agility and chasing a toy, as your Labrador gets better. These exercises will teach children how to maintain their attention and manage their energy. For every good behavior, praise and incentives should be offered, and fewer corrections should be given overall. Exercise is a crucial component in Labrador positive reinforcement training. Giving your Labrador puzzle toys and games or exposing them to new experiences and places are two ways to stimulate their minds. Your Labrador can learn to concentrate and maintain obedience by being mentally stimulated, which will keep them entertained and involved. Although Labradors are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they require regular reinforcement in order to retain their knowledge. Additionally, keep in mind that Labradors mature more slowly than other breeds, so exercise patience and compassion when dealing with them. In general, positive reinforcement training is a successful method for teaching your Labrador to remain attentive and submissive. You may aid your Labrador in developing into a well-behaved adult dog by consistently rewarding and praising desired actions, as well as by giving them lots of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. When teaching your Labrador puppy, utilize positive reinforcement to help them acquire desired behavior and maintain concentration. Rewarding positive behavior with praise and minimizing negative behavior with gentle, calm corrections are the best practices. In addition, giving your Labrador a lot of physical activity, mental challenge, and engaging activities like agility and fetch can help them concentrate their energy. Your Labrador puppy will eventually mature into a well-mannered adult dog with persistence and patience. Due to their high energy levels, labrador puppies need a lot of training, mental stimulation, and exercise to help them concentrate and maintain their composure. You can help your Labrador focus their energy and eventually develop into a well-behaved adult dog by consistently rewarding and praising them for appropriate behavior and by giving them plenty of exercises, mental stimulation, and activities like agility and fetch. Your Labrador puppy will eventually learn to focus and settle down when necessary with time and effort.
Cedar Creek Labradors started breeding in ! Our love for the breed expanded in to be able to share our own personal hunting Labs. We are focused on producing quality AKC Labrador puppies with health, sound structure, looks, temperament and trainability as a priority. We are located in Delaware and own both English and American Labradors. Our goal is to continue improving the Labrador breed within the AKC Standards starting with the improvement our own puppies during each specially paired breeding! We help in matching each potential family with the best suited puppy by suggesting upcoming parents with temperaments and pedigrees to match their individual needs. Please Find us on Facebook! In we added French Bulldogs to our program! Many years with a huge love for the breed I couldn't withhold any longer! Such a great decision as their comical personalities have melted our hearts! Our puppies page contains information on upcoming litters, pictures, availability and placing deposits! Take a look at our Available page to see Dogs, Older puppies or Rescues Currently available along with information on our Boarding rates and Training. We are now working with a finance company if you need help with your payment we can email an application! Visitors are not permitted within all areas and must sanitize upon entering our property. We have to use precautions to keep our young puppies safe. All visitors are by appointment only to allow us family time as well as individualized time with any other visitors. We also must prepare by putting our dogs up in advance. Our dogs and puppies are all on NuVet Plus Vitamins. We highly recommend this product! We can not express enough how important it is to continue the use of this product! After seeing the results of NuVet and NuJoint on our personal dogs we hope to have all puppy buyers continue to use this product and it is required in order to participate in our 26 month puppy guarantee! More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Between and , the population of the town grew .Current town growth is a result of these such developments, which primarily attract high-income families relocating from Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City Nickname: Diamond Town of the Diamond State Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!
Dog treats Dog crate Boxers are energetic and highly intelligent dogs. They strive for attention and love to please their owners. Although Boxers are quick learners, they tend to be stubborn when they do not want to do something. It is important to train Boxer puppies at an early age, as they can become hard to train and control. One of this first things you should do when you get your Boxer puppy home is to potty train it. Begin potty training when the Boxer puppies are at least 7 weeks old as they are now able to walk and learn. Make sure to start training as soon as possible. If you start potty training when the puppies are over 12 weeks of age, it will be more difficult for them to learn. They will have developed bad habits that will be hard to break. Choose a location in your yard where the Boxer puppy will go to the bathroom each time he goes outside. Always take the puppy to this one location when it is time to go potty. Do not confuse the puppy by taking him to a new location each time. Use the leash to lead the puppy to the location that you had chosen in Step 2. Stay in this area until the puppy has gone potty. Reward the puppy in this manner every time he has finished going to the bathroom. Create a consistent routine. Take the Boxer puppy outside to use the bathroom at the same times everyday. Putting the Boxer puppy on a regular feeding schedule will help you predict when the puppy needs to go potty. Repeat this process until the Boxer puppy is no longer going to the bathroom in the house. If you have a fenced-in yard, the puppy should be able to go to the bathroom on his own without a leash. This can take several weeks or more to accomplish. Tips It is important that you stay consistent with your training. Apply these steps in the exact same manner each time. Your puppy will learn much faster because puppies learn by repetition. If you do or say something different each time you take your puppy out to potty, you will confuse him. Watch for signs from your puppy that he needs to go to the bathroom. If your puppy is sniffing around, circling, whimpering or scratching at the door, he probably needs to go out. It is recommended that you purchase a dog crate if you cannot supervise your Boxer at all times. Make sure you purchase a large enough crate to accommodate your Boxer. You will need to crate train your puppy to ensure that he will not go to the bathroom throughout your home. This does nothing to help your puppy learn faster. Punishing will only make the puppy afraid of you. Instead, ignore your puppy when he has an accident and clean the mess up right away. Be patient and keep rewarding your Boxer puppy whenever he goes to the bathroom outside. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Boxer Dog House Training Overview Housebreaking your Boxer does not need to be a struggle of wits or will power between you and your dog. How do you properly house train a Boxer? By following 2 main rules: 1. Use a method that prevents your Boxer from eliminating inside the home. Provide and offer an area to relieve themselves that is both easily accessible and available when they need it. Keeping these 2 training rules in mind, housebreaking your Boxer can be done without stress or frustration. Rule 1 The goal is for your Boxer to not eliminate inside the house but how do you accomplish this? It is really easier than you might think. There are 2 basic methods. Watch them like a hawk - If you are lucky enough to be able to stay home with your Boxer until he or she is house trained, you can use the Umbilical Cord Training Method. If you are away during the day, default to this method any time that you are home and it can be reasonably incorporated. You will simply put a leash on your Boxer and tether the other end to you. You may connect it to your belt loop or around your wrist. The important element is that your Boxer will never be more than 6 feet away from you. With this method, you will take your Boxer puppy outside every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old and so on. The less a pup is allowed an opportunity to have an "accident" inside, the more successful the house training will be done. And we must remember that essentially there are no accidents. When nature calls, a puppy will urinate or eliminate where they are at that moment. Bladder and bowel muscles are not at full strength and the Boxer has little control in regard to holding needs. Therefore, it is the owner's job to make sure that their Boxer is outside in the bathroom area, at the time that the body calls for it. The other method is confinement by crating and is not recommended. For times that you cannot be right with your Boxer puppy , it is best to have him in a gated off area. If the room that you choose has carpeting, it is recommended to obtain a piece of linoleum, that will not be installed, it will simply be placed down. It's a good idea to keep the gate open when you are home, allowing your Boxer to check things out and even play, should he choose. It will allow him to get used to the area for times when you are not home. Do keep in mind that without full control over holding his needs, he must still be taken out at the times mentioned above. When you are not home, pee pads or paper can be placed down; however do not expect your puppy to learn 2 methods of housebreaking. The beneficial element is that it will be confined to one space easy to clean up and as the Boxer grows, he will be able to hold his needs for longer periods of time, with the end result being able to hold on for the 8 hours or so that owners are away for work. Rule 2 You must clearly show your Boxer where you expect him to go to the bathroom. If there are any doubts in your dog's mind about where he is supposed to eliminate this will make for one confused dog. And, it will most likely lead to that dog just giving up and going inside the home. Choose a spot that works well in all weather. What looks like a great location on a warm spring day may not work so great when your older, trained Boxer has to hike thorough a foot of snow to reach it in the winter. The area should be roughly 8 feet in diameter and used for nothing else but bathroom needs. If you want to play with your Boxer or do some outdoor command training , do this after he goes to the bathroom and in a separate location at least 15 feet from the bathroom area. The location that you choose as the main spot for your Boxer to use as a bathroom is vital. A dog will become very confused if you show them a new area each time you bring them outside. Just having the yard or "somewhere outside" is not specific enough and will impede progress. The 1 complaint that owners have in regard to housebreaking their puppy is that he or she urinates or eliminates right after coming back into the house. While this may just be a matter of the dog's body not having the need while outside, most of the time it is because an owner did not give the dog an opportunity to do so. Puppies need to sniff around - stand in the center of the chosen area - and with your Boxer on a 6 foot lead, allow him to sniff away any where within that diameter. As they are sniffing, their body is readying to push out a bowel movement and an owner must allow for enough time to go by for this to happen. The mistake occurs when an owner heads back in with their Boxer, only minutes before the dog is ready and that is when the dog eliminates seemingly right after entering back inside. As digested food moved through the intestinal tract, the puppy clenched bowel muscles in anticipation of being taken out. A pup needs 15 to 20 minutes to find just the "perfect" spot and to relax enough to do the deed. How to Begin Using the above Umbilical Cord Training Method Each time your puppy makes a motion that implies that they are about to eliminate, you must bring your dog outside to a designated area. In some cases, you may need to pick up your puppy and run to that spot - expect to do this several times, as even finishing in the designated bathroom area is preferred to not at all. Still give praise even if he only finished up there. Don't scold for what's been done inside, as again, the dog went to the bathroom in the area he was in at the time. Taken outside enough will stop this from happening - and don't worry, as your Boxer matures, he will be able to hold on for about 1 hour extra, for each month that he ages. As soon as your Boxer is done with their business, give tons of praise. A puppy has no idea that he did something right, unless it is conveyed to him via words and at times, additionally a treat. You do not need to give your dog a treat each time they "perform" good; but you should shower your Boxer with pats and tons of happy and excited words. Act as if your dog just did the best possible action in the world! A dog aims to please their owner; if you make your Boxer feel as if he did something extraordinarily wonderful, he or she will be prone to do it again. This does not need to be done forever. Once a dog performs enough repetitions of a certain action, it becomes habit. However, an occasional "good dog! Block off certain rooms that are not in use and use a gate to keep your Boxer on the level of the home where you are. If "allowed" to have accidents, they will continue to believe that they can go urinate or eliminate inside of the home. Even if you yell "NO! Be sure that it is large enough for the pup to: play, sleep, eat and go to the bathroom. Crating does not work when a dog is left home alone. Canines do not care to go to the bathroom in a confined space, but if left with no other choice, they will.Bring your Boxer out about 20 minutes before you leave. Bring him out as soon as you arrive back home. Don't scold for any messes that occurred while you were gone, it makes no sense to reprimand a dog for a natural bodily function. Leaving Your Boxer Outside There are several reasons why a Boxer of any age should not be sent out into the yard without supervision. The Boxer is among the top dog breeds that are stolen. Where are they taken from? Their own yards. A fence may keep other dogs out, but it will not keep out a thief intent on jumping over the fence to take your helpless puppy. Until a Boxer is old enough to scare off a thief, do not leave your puppy outside. In addition, outside elements such as the hot sun can quickly overheat a dog causing heat exhaustion, which ultimately leads to death if treatment is not given in enough time. Your Boxer puppy should be taken out many times during the day, given that he or she sleeps through the night: When they first wake up After each meal times a day Before bedtime A general guideline in house training a dog is that a 2 month old Boxer puppy can hold its needs for 2 hours, a 3 month old for 3 hours and so on. The maximum time that any dog should ever be expected to hold their needs is 8 hours and this is for a full grown adult canine. Taking steps to help your Boxer sleep through the night can also help to some extent. Keeping in mind that meals must be spaced apart from exercise to help prevent bloat , a good bout of cardio about 2 hours before bed may help a pup sleep better through the night.
Illness The reason that your German Shepherd puppy has been crying a lot could be that it is ill or injured. It would also be more likely if something recently happened that might have caused it to become ill or injured. If you think that illness or injury might be the cause then the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. Fear The reason that your German Shepherd puppy has been crying a lot could be that it gets frightened. This would be more likely if it only seems to be crying when things happen that might frighten it. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd always afraid? It wants attention It could be the case that your German Shepherd puppy cries a lot because it wants to get attention from you. In this case, it would be likely that it has learned that crying gets it the attention that it wants so it cries more. To stop it you could try giving it more attention throughout the day and to stop giving it attention when it starts crying and then to carry on giving it attention when it is not crying. Boredom Another reason that it cries a lot could be that it is bored. This would be more likely if it tends to cry more when it is not doing anything and if it tends to cry at around the time that it usually gets to do something. German Shepherds are meant to be very active dogs and it is generally recommended that they get at least an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not getting an hour of exercise per day then making sure that it does would likely be a good start. However, German Shepherd puppies are not supposed to get as much exercise since their joints are still developing. Generally, it is recommended to give a German Shepherd puppy 5 minutes of exercise, per day, for every month of age. So, a 2 month old puppy should get about 10 minutes of exercise daily. Other ways that you can reduce its boredom would be to spend time training it or to give it toys to play with. Excitement It could also be the case that it seems to cry when it becomes excited. This would be more likely if it only seems to cry when things happen that would cause it to get excited. Examples could be: When it is about to go out for a walk When you are playing with it Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you Nature It is not unusual for German Shepherd puppies to cry a lot. Sometimes they will cry without any apparent cause. It is likely that it will begin to cry less as it gets older. However, if it is crying constantly then it would help to take it to a vet to rule out illness or injury. Things to consider Before trying to get it to cry less it would help to know exactly what is causing it to cry so much. Below, I will mention a few particularly helpful things that you can consider. What is different when it cries A useful thing to consider would be when and where your German Shepherd puppy tends to cry. If it tends to only cry in certain situations then it would be very likely that it has something to do with the crying. If your German Shepherd puppy started to cry more, suddenly, then it would make it more likely that it has started to cry more due to things such as stress, fear, being mistreated, illness or injury or a change in its lifestyle. It would help to consider what happened at around the time that your German Shepherd puppy started to cry more. Things that you could think about would include: If someone left home If another pet passed away If something happened that might have caused it to get injured If someone was mean to it If you moved home If it did start crying a lot more, suddenly, then it would help to take it to a vet to rule out illness or injury. How to get your German Shepherd puppy to stop crying all the time Below, I will mention a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd puppy crying all the time. Avoid punishing it It might be tempting to punish your German Shepherd puppy by shouting at it or even hitting it. However, it is very important not to do so. If you do then you will likely cause it to become fearful, it will develop behavioral issues and it will not be trusting of you. Avoid encouraging the behavior If your method of getting it to stop crying is to give it things that it wants, it could be the case that you have inadvertently encouraged it to do it more. Instead, try to avoid giving it attention or rewards unless it is necessary and then to reward it when it is being well behaved. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd puppy cries, it has started doing it suddenly or it has been acting unusually then it would help to get the expert advice of a vet. Ensure that its diet is correct If it is not getting the nutrients that it needs in its diet it could be causing your German Shepherd puppy to cry. If you want to get your German Shepherd to cry less and for it to be as healthy as possible it is important to make sure that it is eating correctly. You can look here to see what you should be feeding it. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. You can find dog food specifically designed for German Shepherd puppies on Chewy here. Give it things to be distracted with such as a chew toy If you think that boredom could also be the reason that your German Shepherd puppy keeps crying then it would be an option to give it things to keep it distracted. Things that you could do could include giving it toys to play with, puzzles for dogs to complete or chews to chew on. You can watch the video below to see more tips on what you can do to get your German Shepherd puppy to cry less. You can watch the video below for more tips on what you can do to get your German Shepherd puppy to cry less. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. By Chris We dog parents know this all-too-well. German Shepherds are stoic, confident dogs, so what gives? Why do German Shepherds whine? Many dog parents always wonder what their dogs are whining about , especially working breeds like the German Shepherd. Dogs whine for a variety of reasons, but most often it is to communicate a need or desire. In this blog post, we will go over 7 reasons why your intimidating-looking German Shepherd might sound like a big baby every once in a while. Your German Shepherd Wants Something The vast majority of the time that your dog whines is because it wants something from you, whether it is to go out, to play, or for attention. The first thing to do is to identify what your dog is trying to tell you. So what does your German Shepherd want, and how do you tell? If your German Shepherd is whining to go outside, he might stare at the door and whine, or run between you and the door. Look out for the whining after your dog wakes up from a nap or a few minutes after he finishes his meal. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Your dog is bored German Shepherds are active dogs that require a lot of activity to burn off all of their energy. These intelligent dogs, in particular, require cognitive stimulation. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. A good run every day or a two-hour walk might keep a German Shepherd happy. Make sure that there are plenty of chew toys and puzzles to keep your GSD occupied when indoors, and if not, go for more walks! A hyperactive GSD is not a good idea. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. They are hugely bonded to their human owners and might be a little attention-seeking sook every once in a while. Your pooch is delighted to see you! Dogs whine from extreme excitement too. When you first arrive home, your German Shepherd will most likely whine because it is overjoyed to see you. Simply interpret this whine as a cheerful welcome, but if your GSD is prone to excessive whining and separation anxiety, you might need to wait for him to calm down before giving him the same greeting back. Your GSD is scared or anxious Although GSDs are known to be fearless, courageous dogs, they can be scared too, just like any other dog. Storms, stressful events, loud noises , and the unfamiliar can make a GSD anxious and scared. If your German Shepherd whines in almost the same presumably stressful conditions, it is probably scared and requires your solace. Because you are the pack leader, when your dog is terrified, it looks to you for safety and comfort. If your German Shepherd is whining because of a storm or another uncontrollable situation, simply soothe your dog as best you can in a calm, reassuring way. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Your dog is sick or in pain Dogs who are in pain or sick will whine to express how they feel. Whining that is associated with other symptoms of illness, such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, and loss of interest should be checked out. If you believe your dog is whining because it is in pain or sick, make an appointment with your vet right away. Meanwhile, comfort and be affectionate with your dog to make it feel more at ease. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Other telltale signs of a doggy apology include the tail between the legs, ears flat, and droopy body. A whine usually means it is a BIG apology! German Shepherd approaching his owner. How Can You Reduce Whining? For most dogs, it is simply a way of communicating what they feel or need, in the absence of the spoken language. While some whining is normal, especially if they have a legitimate reason like wanting to be let out to go potty, excessive whining can be downright annoying. If your GSD is whining excessively, here are some ways to deal with it. Ignore it Is he trying to get your attention out of jealousy? Simply ignore him. If you give in to such behavior, he will continue to act in this manner, which will eventually become irritating. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. This is especially true if the pain is chronic or persistent. So the next time your dog starts whining , take a moment to consider whether he might be trying to tell you something. A German Shepherd at the Vet. Training Training will not only help your dog burn off excess energy, but it will also teach your dog to behave the way you want it to. It is best to begin as early as possible, starting with very short durations for puppies and gradually increasing the length of each training session. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, hence their popularity as working dogs. Use that working drive! Owner trains her train German Shepherd. It will keep them occupied and provide them with something to chew on. Your shoes and furniture will be forever grateful. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. But your dog has only you. Spending quality time with your dog will not only provide them with the attention they require but will also help to reduce their anxiety and calm them down. Set aside some time in your busy day for your beloved pooch. It means a lot to them. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Final Thoughts There are a number of reasons why dogs whine. Most commonly, dogs will whine when they want something — usually attention, food, or to be let outside. If a dog is bored, anxious, or frustrated, it may also start to whine, which in most cases, is perfectly normal behavior for dogs. However, if a dog starts whining excessively, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as separation anxiety or another form of stress. No matter the reason, dogs typically only whine when they feel they are not being heard. It just might save you both a lot of frustration. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Dogs new to being crated may whine or cry because they are not accustomed to the confinement. And puppies, recently separated from their littermates, are often confused and lonely and will vocalize to call for their mother and siblings. Dogs, and especially puppies, are social and want nothing more than to be with their "pack. But how do you get a puppy to stop whining in his crate? The truth is: you may not be able to completely curb whining behavior in puppies, but there are ways to minimize it. Tip 1: The top tip to help cut down on your puppy whining in his crate is to completely ignore the whining behavior. If you do that, most puppies will simply stop whining for attention because it doesn't give them results. One of the biggest mistakes that owners of new puppies make is giving their puppies attention or taking their puppies out of the crate once the whining begins. Any type of attention will just reinforce the behavior. That includes negative attention, such as you reprimanding them. You should avoid giving attention or taking a puppy out of the crate until he is quiet. That way, you are reinforcing the behavior of -not- whining. Being quiet and calm is the only way they're released from the crate, therefore they will learn to be quiet and calm in the crate. Tip 2: Picking the right-size crate is more important than most people think. The crate must be large enough that the pup can stand up, turn around and play with toys, but not so large that they feel comfortable using the restroom on one side of the crate and being able to move to the other side to avoid it. You will have to buy crates minimum to keep up with a puppy's rapid growth, or consider a model with a divider. Expensive, but totally worth it. A correctly sized crate will stop them from using the bathroom in it, and will give them enough space to occupy themselves, thus reducing how much they whine in the crate. Tip 3: Get your puppy comfortable with the crate. Familiarizing your puppy with his crate is another way to help cut down on anxiety and reduce whining. Take your time acclimating your puppy to the crate. Your pup needs the opportunity to learn that the crate is a comfortable and safe space. If you just stuff a puppy in one, with no toys, no acclimation period etc. Instead, provide treats, chew toys and bedding in the crate to make it fun and homey. Use a lot of treats to reward your puppy when he is being quiet and calm in his crate. Give treats for going in the crate. Make the crate a very positive experience. If you successfully do that, your puppy will willingly go into their crate because they will associate it with good things. Going inside the crate is usually the result of overestimating how long a puppy can go without relieving themselves. The general number of hours a puppy needs between bathroom breaks is ascertained by adding his age in months, plus one. Using that formula, a 2-month-old puppy can usually hold it for three hours, and a 3-month-old puppy can generally hold it for four hours and so on. When potty training, there's no such thing as too many bathroom breaks. If you're at home and capable, there's no reason to stretch out breaks to their maximum. Tip 5: Crate placement matters. Some puppies will be perfectly quiet and content if the crate is placed in your bedroom or a common area. Others will whine all night long and you won't get a wink of sleep. Experiment where you place the crate. Try to keep them in a place where they can see you at first. If it prevents you from sleeping, no one can blame you for putting the crate in a faraway room, the garage, basement etc. But by doing that, it's likely that the puppy might feel isolated and react by crying even more. Either way, completely ignore the whining. We suggest trying to keep the puppy's crate in whichever room you're in at first. If necessary, you may have to place it elsewhere to get sleep. Do expect some whining in the beginning, even if the puppy is around you. Tip 6: Exercise, play, and toys. If you let your puppy play after coming inside from using the bathroom, like most babies, he'll tire himself out and want to nap. So make sure they get to play and spend time with you. And make sure they're occupied in their crate. The best way to do that is to use interactive toys to keep them busy. And there you have it, 6 tips to help cut down whining in the crate. Again, remember to be patient. Even under the best circumstances, puppies will whine in the beginning; even if you're in the same room. Don't be too quick to put them in another room or part of the house. Only resort to that if it severely impacts your sleep or ability to work. Thanks for reading, please leave a like and share if you find these tips helpful. Aug 3, Share As a dog parent, you know that German Shepherds tend to whine at the most inopportune times. It could be several things, including the dog being sick or in pain. However, before calling the veterinarian, you can examine our list of seven reasons German Shepherds whine and how to stop it. Your Shepherd Needs to Go to the Bathroom The reason your German Shepherd is whining could be as simple as the dog needing to go outside to potty. The dog might whine, then run to or stare at the door, trying to tell you it needs to go outside. This whining usually happens right after your dog wakes up from a nap or just a few minutes after it eats. The dog could be whining because it wants your attention and is ready to cuddle or play. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 3. You can cure this by ensuring your dog gets at least 2 hours of physical exercise daily and providing it with many challenging games and toys. A hyperactive, bored German Shepherd will become destructive, aggressive, and whiny, so make sure your dog gets the exercise and mental stimulation it needs to be healthy and happy. The Dog Is Happy to See You Dogs, including German Shepherds, are usually happy to see their pet parents when they walk through the door in the evening. Your German Shepherd may whine when it first sees you out of sheer excitement. If the whining is accompanied by a lack of appetite, drowsiness, or other signs of sickness, you must take the dog to the vet for an examination. Until your appointment, it will help to comfort and love your pet to make it feel better. An illness or injury should never be ignored because it can cause other health issues if not addressed by a veterinarian and treated promptly. Your Shepherd Is Stressed Although German Shepherds are known for being fearless dogs , they get scared, anxious, and stressed. If your German Shepherd is whining and none of the reasons above apply, your dog may be stressed or afraid of something. Some events that could be stressing your dog and making it whine include storms, fireworks, and even a stranger in the home. Image Credit: Pxhere 7. There are a few other signs of a dog trying to apologize, including keeping its ears flat, its tail between its legs, and a droopy body. Ask your vet for recommendations Ignore the whining unless your dog needs to go potty Give your dog plenty of attention Train your pet not to whine professionally if needed Distract the dog Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Final Thoughts German Shepherds are known for being courageous, loving, protective, and loyal pets. However, they do tend to whine a bit. However, you should make an appointment with your vet if the whining continues to ensure your dog is not suffering from an injury or illness. Rush to the nearest veterinarian as soon as possible in case of any such issues. Fear Fear is a factor that can be dangerous for the development of the behavior of a dog. Fear of anything is an alarming situation. It can be from the owner, the visitors, the guests, or the unusual thing that he sees and makes him scared. The angry behavior of the owners, and the scary attitudes of the guests and the visitors. Socialize your dog so that visitors do not become a source of their fear. Attention seeking Attention-seeking is an instinct in German Shepherds. When the owner does not pay attention to them, GSDs start crying to seek attention from their owners. Pay attention to your dogs and spend much of your time with them. Hunger If a German Shepherd is not provided a meal or snacks at its proper time, he starts crying. This crying is just to notify the owner he is hungry. Provide well-balanced and nutritious meals at regular intervals on a daily basis for your dog. Boredom If your German Shepherd has nothing to do or he is not doing any activity for a long time, he will get bored. GSDs are very active, energetic, and watchful dogs. They need to be exercised on a regular basis. Excitement In case of excitement, a GSD can also cry. This is an instinctual behavior of your German Shepherd to show his feeling of joy and happiness. Always check with your vet but there is no need for medication if this is just part of their personality. Punishment If you discipline your dog for doing something then you will probably hear your dog cry because it feels punished. Separation Anxiety The most common issue a German Shepherd is facing is separation anxiety. When you leave your beloved pet alone and leave home, he will get worried. GSDs love being with their owners. Stress Stress can also cause crying and it can be of various kinds. It can be management-related, environmental, or physical. Stress can be a lack of feed, water, and other such necessities. It involves regular grooming as well. Environmental includes temperature management. Physical involves injuries and normal physiological maintenance. Try to figure out the type of stress and the stress factors. It will help to alleviate the stress from your dog and hopefully help them stop crying. Distress near other dogs The presence of the other dogs can make some German Shepherds fearful. It is a discomfort for the German Shepherd. Take your dog to doggy daycare to get socialized around other dogs. Alarm about unusual things Dogs like routines and if something unusual is happening then your dog might cry. This can be a dog entering the home or going taking your dog to a new place. Need something German Shepherds make various sounds to tell you that they need something. Crying is one of those sounds. If a GSD needs something to eat or play with, he will communicate that through crying. Welcoming the owner Some dogs get so excited when they see you coming home that they cry in excitement. Feeling Sorry If a GSD makes a mistake or does something that is not liked by his owner, he will start crying to say sorry. This behavior is just to show the feeling of shame and sorry for what they have done. Make sure to praise them and give them a treat without getting angry. Refusal of Treat Refusing to eat something that is not liked by them will make them cry. It is not like GSDs are hating something or having some digestive disorders. If food has some unwanted ingredients, foul smell, or anything fishy, the GSD will refuse to eat it. Empathizing the owner GSDs have empathic behavior. GSDs love not only their owners but also the other dogs. If GSDs feel that any of their fellow dogs or their owner is disturbed and is in discomfort, GSDs also start crying to show sympathy to them about their discomfort. Missing pack member After the walk or during the normal routines, if GSDs will find anyone missing from their pack, GSDs will start crying very loudly. This is an alarm for the owner as well. New surroundings New environments, whether that is a new walking spot or a new home, is a stressful experience for a dog and it can cause them to cry. Dirt in their eye In case of any irritation to any part of the body will cause discomfort to your dog. Take him to the nearest vet to address this issue. The service dog and guide dog to the blind Canine therapy dog work Search and rescue and nose work Hunting and tracking Canine athletics such as agility and dock diving In each one of these job descriptions, you can visualize two partners: a human partner paired with a canine partner. Any working dog breed that has been developed and bred specifically to work closely with a human partner is going to be intelligent, perceptive, and extremely sensitive. German Shepherds fit this description perfectly. As WagWalking. The German Shepherd is actually not known to be a barker, but barking will increase if your dog becomes lonely or bored. In the same way, German Shepherd crying, whimpering and whining can turn from simply attempts to talk to you into pleas for attention, time and affection if not enough of that is readily available. There is really no way to train your German Shepherd dog to be a different type of dog than the GSD breed is known to be. But there are some ways to keep the natural vocalizations of your German Shepherd from turning into real problem behaviors of the type that may get you into hot water with neighbors or housemates or even the local community. Tips to Train German Shepherd Not to Cry So Much Whenever you are dealing with a very smart dog breed that is highly attuned to their human carers, you can bet your dog will notice what gets your attention fastest. Then your dog will do more of that. After all, your German Shepherd loves attention from you! So anything your GSD can do to keep your attention on them is a good thing to do more of. This means you will need to start paying more attention to the things your dog does that send you running to them. When your GSD starts whimpering, whining, or crying, for instance, you will have to stop yourself from immediately responding. In this section, we will look at specific tips to train your German Shepherd not to cry so much. We will look at tips for GSD puppies, adult dogs, and rescue dogs. Train your German Shepherd puppy not to cry so much One of the most common issues new German Shepherd puppy keepers face is trying to crate train a new GSD puppy. Crate training can be an invaluable addition to your training protocols! Yet, as PetMD points out, your puppy is often already dealing with a lot of changes when crate training begins. Your GSD puppy is trying to learn to sleep apart from mom and littermates for the first time. Your puppy is in a strange new place with a new family and new surroundings. Suddenly there are lots of rules and regulations, potty training issues, leashes and collars to get used to, veterinary visits, and then…. This means that regardless of what breed of puppy you are crate training , some crying and whining are just going to come with the territory. So here are expert tips to help your GSD puppy understand that whining and crying will not get them out of crate training. Do not respond to the crying behavior when it first starts — wait until your puppy quiets down before approaching the crate. Make sure the crate is puppy-sized — your GSD puppy should be able to stand up and turn around, but if you can fit two GSD puppies inside it, it is too large. Take time to get your GSD puppy familiar with the crate structure itself — practice going in and out the door, do short sits at first, offer lots of praise and rewards. Put the crate in a place where you are still visible at first so your puppy will not feel abandoned and start to cry in a panic. Train your German Shepherd adult dog not to cry so much When it comes to training an adult GSD dog not to cry or whine so much, it is all about setting reasonable expectations, as this VetStreet owner thread highlights. After all, you have chosen a vocal dog breed with a high need and drive to be near you and in constant communication with you. But if you set a goal to simply reduce the amount of crying or whining, you are likely to have a much better chance of reaching your goal. Here are some tips to help encourage your German Shepherd to stop seeing crying or whining behavior as an effective way of getting your attention quickly. Make a list. Start making a list of each time your German Shepherd whines and what was going on just before the crying started. This can help you identify certain issues that may cause your GSD to whine more — is it just before dinner time? Is it time for the evening walk? Is there some other routine your dog remembers that you have forgotten? This will also help you identify when crying might be prompted by discomfort, illness, boredom, loneliness, or some other reason. Stop responding to the crying right away. Crying or whining can be an auditory irritant — no doubt about it. No matter how much you love your dog, having to listen to constant crying can get on your nerves! So instead of responding right away to try to make the sound stop, task yourself to take several deep breaths and count to 10, or 15, or .Wait until the whining at least lessens or ideally stops before responding. Train your German Shepherd rescue dog not to cry so much German Shepherds are so sensitive that being relinquished and re-homed can be especially hard on this dog breed. You may get your new GSD rescue pup home only to discover your dog develops a full-blown case of separation anxiety whenever you are not clearly visible and available to your dog. As All Shepherd Rescue charity explains, separation anxiety can be a much bigger problem to address than simply removing social reinforcement for the behavior. Your GSD is panicked! Making use of a dog walker, doggie daycare, or a friendly dog-loving neighbor or friend when you have to be out can spell you during the re-training process. Ideally, no one would choose a German Shepherd dog without knowing in advance that these dogs tend to be naturally vocal. Yet it happens every day. There is so much to learn about the German Shepherd dog breed that sometimes the vocalization habits just get overlooked. Now that you understand your experience with GSD crying is not unique to you and your dog, you can start taking steps to reduce the crying behaviors. How can we tell if a German Shepherd puppy is crying for real or attention? While the whining and crying might be aggravating, you can do things to lessen the whining and this guide will show you how. Why does a German Shepherd puppy cry? German Shepherds are known to whine more than other dogs. Attention German Shepherds love getting attention from their owners, which could bring whining. If the dog is near you, has toys, and their body language looks good, they probably want your attention. Boredom German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercise to get that energy out. If the dog is whining out of boredom, create a play and exercise routine for them. Fear Similar to people, dogs get scared. They may begin to while around storms, new people, or stressful situations. In this case, they are seeking comfort for their owner. If possible, minimize the citation and comfort the dog. Give them a calming area to relax when if a scary situation. There will also be other signs of illness, like lethargy, lack of appetite, or reduced interest. Take your dog to the vet ASAP if you suspect they are in pain or sick. Hungry German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and will let you know when dinner time has been skipped. We get busy too, so pay attention to the time to see if a meal was accidentally skipped. They are in a new environment, away from all they know and love, and it can be scary. Below are some tips on how to get past the crate-crying phase. This can help indicate if the whine is because of something terrible or less wrong, like boredom. Each German Shepherd has their own unique cry; this is just a reference point. Complaining whine This is not yet a cry. What to do if a German Shepherd puppy cries? Like a baby, they will cry for no apparent reason, and the older they get, the better it will get. If your puppy is safe, fed, and not ill, it is best to ignore it and not reinforce bad behavior. If you gave them constant attention with each whine, you could create a bad habit. What to do if a German Shepherd puppy cries in the crate at night? Crate training is hard, and it will result in your German Shepherd puppy crying at night. Below are a few tips to make the night easier, according to Wag. Make the crate a place your puppy wants to go: Add their favorite toys and blankets, give them treats, and make it a positive area. Place the crate where your German Shepherd is near you: it can be a calm and quiet area but make it accessible to the outside since the puppy will need potty breaks. Let them get used to the crate for a moment. When they wake up, grab them before the whining starts and take them potty, this will help make them less scared. Repeat and practice: Crate training takes time and can be challenging, especially at 3 am. Ensure that they are okay and rule out if a vet is needed. The most important thing is not to encourage the behavior. Can a German Shepherd puppy be trained to not cry? Yes you can work on your German Shepherd puppy not to cry. The easiest way to do this is to create an exercise and play routine to burn out energy and make them tired. German Shepherds love playing outside, and it can give them the stimulation they need to be happy. Crate training your puppy correctly will also train them not to cry in the crate. You are tired from being up at night and might lash out. Remember a few things not to do when the puppy cries. Punishment Punishment is the worst possible thing to do when your puppy cries. This can instill fear in your dog and make matters worse. We hate seeing our dogs upset and will do anything to help them. Instead, try to redirect the behavior. Allow them to go outside to play, chew on a toy, or relax in their crate until the whining subsides. What is normal crying vs abnormal crying? Puppies will cry for a lot of reasons. This is all normal for a puppy and how they communicate. If you notice your puppy is crying more and suddenly, what some would say is out of the blue, you might want to see why. Check for signs of illness or pain. Take a moment to reassure yourself that your dog is okay and allow them their moment to whine before redirecting them. Further Questions How do you stop a German Shepherd puppy from crying for its owner? The easiest thing is to set up a routine for them to play and exercise. Crate training is also a great option. Is it normal for a German Shepherd puppy to whine a lot? Yes, a German Shepherd puppy will often whine, just like a baby cries a lot. Should I ignore my puppy when it cries? No, the whining could indicate there is a problem. Always make sure they are okay, then redirect the dog. More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post.
adorable golden retriever puppy gif - Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What's the Cost of Dog Vaccinations? Here is a breakdown of the expenses by individual vaccination and state. Pet vaccinations start around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with doses given every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age, which enables the puppy to make their own antibodies. Puppy vaccinations are customized to each pet depending on their current and expected lifestyle and needs. Core Vaccines Vaccines are broken down into core and non-core categories, based on disease severity and prevalence. Core vaccines are considered necessary for all pets because they protect against often-fatal diseases and help protect the community from outbreaks. Core vaccines for dogs include: Canine parvovirus vaccine : Canine parvo is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, leading to severe dehydration, systemic infection and shock. Most puppies will survive with treatment, but treatment requires intensive care, which can become costly. Distemper vaccine: Canine distemper virus attacks the nervous system and respiratory tract and is often fatal. Dogs who survive typically have permanent neurologic damage. Wildlife can carry and transmit the virus, serving as a reservoir of infection. Canine hepatitis vaccine: Canine infectious hepatitis , which is caused by an adenovirus, attacks liver cells and can cause secondary clotting problems or kidney disorders. The virus is prevalent in many wildlife species, such as raccoons and bats, and is transmitted through bite wounds. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective and is required by law to protect pets and humans from infection. What Is the 5-in-1 Vaccine? The 5-in-1 or 4-in-1 vaccine for dogs combines core vaccines into a single injection. Parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and canine parainfluenza comprise the 4-in-1 vaccine; the 5-in-1 vaccine also includes protection against leptospirosis. Most veterinary clinics use the combination vaccine rather than the individual components to minimize the number of injections required. Optional Dog Vaccines Optional dog vaccines are also known as lifestyle or non-core vaccines because they are administered only to dogs at high risk for contracting each disease. Optional vaccines for dogs include: Bordetella vaccine: The Bordetella vaccine protects against the bacteria that commonly causes kennel cough and is recommended for dogs who spend time at dog parks, daycare, boarding kennels, dog sports or training classes. This vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but lessens infection severity and helps dogs recover faster. Canine influenza vaccine: Dogs at risk for Bordetella infection are also at risk for canine influenza , an airborne infection. The canine influenza vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but it can lessen disease severity, reducing the likelihood of complications, including pneumonia. Leptospirosis vaccine : Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that dogs can pick up from water sources contaminated with infected urine. Leptospirosis causes severe liver and kidney damage and can be fatal for some dogs. Vaccination provides effective immunity. Lyme disease vaccine: Ticks transmit Lyme disease , which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This vaccine is recommended for pets who spend time outdoors, and especially those who go hiking or camping with their owner. What's the Best Puppy Vaccination Schedule? Expect vet visits every few weeks until your puppy is at least 4 months old. Here is an overview of a typical puppy vaccination schedule. After the initial puppy vaccination series, adult dogs need vaccine boosters throughout their life. The first vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the targeted disease, while boosters help to reinforce this response. All vaccinations are boosted one year after the puppy series ends. Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule This table shows a typical booster schedule for adult dog vaccinations. Are Dog Vaccinations Required? Rabies vaccination is required by law and is regulated by individual states and counties. Each county legislature sets rabies control laws and rules. In contrast, the animal control department typically enforces these laws and works with local veterinarians to protect pets in their communities. No other dog vaccinations are required; however, the DAPP combination, which includes four core vaccines, is highly recommended to protect your pet and others in your community. You probably also have an inkling about the overall costs of owning a dog , but one primary aspect to always budget for is your dog's vaccination cost and their annual veterinary exams. After that, individual boosters will cost approximately the same but could be administered on a different cadence, depending on your dog's needs. Let's break out what you can expect to pay. Grace Canaan Make sure to follow the vaccination series established by your vet, a process that starts when your pup is approximately 6—8 weeks old. Some vaccines are administered once at that time, but many have follow-up applications before the age of 16 weeks. She recommends three core vaccinations, usually given in stages as part of a puppy's vaccination schedule: The DA2PP or DHPP series , also known as the "5—in—1 vaccine," protects against numerous highly contagious and often deadly viruses, including canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, distemper , parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Technically, this is a non-core vaccine , but leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease , which means it's easily transmittable between animals and humans. Left untreated, leptospirosis causes permanent kidney and liver damage. Rabies , another zoonotic disease, is considered the deadliest infectious disease in the world. Without prevention, rabies is almost always fatal. A hunting dog who travels is exposed to many dog diseases, parasitic infections, and other diseases. For this pet, frequent and full vaccination plus parasite preventives would be key," Bragdon says. These may include: Bordetella , also known as kennel cough , is a common respiratory infection that's highly contagious and might lead to pneumonia if left untreated. The vaccine is often administered in stages or as one shot with annual boosters. More social dogs, like those who can't get enough of the dog park , are often better protected with this. H3N2 and H3N8 influenza , frequently called the "canine flu," is another recommended dog vaccine for pups who compete in show competitions or sporting events, attend doggy daycare , or are boarded frequently. Similar to the human flu shot, this vaccine might not completely prevent your pet from getting canine flu, but it should lessen the symptoms and prevent the onset of pneumonia. Bragdon adds some canines might also require the Lyme vaccine as a precautionary measure, even though it's technically a non-core vaccine. Your vet may advise it for hiking or hunting dogs , farm or herding dogs , or those who live in high-risk tick endemic areas , such as the Northeastern United States, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As you and your vet develop a preventative care plan, make sure to clarify how much dog vaccinations cost when first performed as well as the cost and frequency of any boosters. Overall, a veterinarian's fees vary based on their location and competitors' costs—and the particular needs of your pup. The eventual cost depends on the dog, where you live , and the shots they need. You may adopt a puppy after they received their first round of vaccines, for example. The cost varies based on which vaccinations are given and whether they are done at a veterinarian's office or a low-cost vaccination clinic run by a local government or humane organization. Dogs adopted from a shelter often already have up-to-date vaccinations, or a shelter may offer vaccinations at a discounted price. Unvaccinated adult dogs receive two rounds of vaccinations about three weeks apart. After that, dogs usually receive boosters annually. The basic shots -- for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and sometimes leptospirosis and coronavirus -- usually are administered together in a combination vaccine. The rabies vaccine is given separately in accordance with local laws. The American Kennel Club[ 1 ] provides an overview of dog vaccinations. Additional costs: Some dog daycare facilities or kennels require vaccinations not included in the standard round of shots, such as for bordatella, known as kennel cough. In certain parts of the country, veterinarians recommend extra vaccinations, such as for Lyme disease. Discounts: Most humane societies and shelters include the first rounds of vaccinations in the adoption fee. Tip: It is possible to order vaccines online and vaccinate the dog yourself, but be sure you order from a reliable company. Depending on local laws, rabies vaccinations can now be given on a three-year schedule rather than yearly. Shopping for dog vaccination: Vaccinations protect dogs against life-threatening diseases, but side effects can include injection-site swelling, or fever and sluggishness that resolve within a day or two or, rarely, a serious allergic reaction. And the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 4 ] lists the benefits and risks of vaccinations. To find a good veterinarian, ask fellow dog owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, search at the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 5 ] website to find your state's veterinary medical association for a referral. Then ask how long the veterinarian has been practicing and how much continuing education he or she receives per year. Tour the clinic to check on cleanliness, attitude, policies and prices. This risk assessment should be undertaken with your veterinarian. Vaccination risks are a hot topic, and it is not a legal requirement in most places to get your pet vaccinated, with the exception of rabies vaccinations. However, most studies show compelling reasons to get your dog vaccinated regularly. Pros of vaccinating your dog The biggest argument for vaccination your dog or puppy is the prevention of life-threatening illnesses. While most pet owners today have never experienced a pet who has contracted parvovirus or distemper, these illnesses are devastating. Young puppies are the perfect targets for viruses and bacteria. This is why veterinarians place such high importance on puppy vaccinations. Image Credit: gorillaimages, Shutterstock Vaccines, however, are becoming the victims of their success. Many of the diseases dogs are vaccinated against are now virtually non-existent. The majority of dogs are vaccinated, which gives non-vaccinated dogs protection. This is the same concept as the human Poliovirus. The virus has been virtually eradicated due to vaccination , so even unvaccinated individuals are unlikely to contract it. The concept of herd immunity can give pet owners a false sense of security. Diseases, like canine distemper , for example, still exist in wild animals. Risks of vaccinating your dog There is risk involved in almost anything, including vaccinating your dog. Vaccines do have some side effects, most of which are mild and short-lived. Common vaccine reactions include a small lump at the injection site, which disappears spontaneously in about two weeks. This is relatively common as it occurs in about one in 10 dogs. Uncommon side effects affecting one in 1, dogs may include a temporary, self-resolving lack of appetite and energy. One in 10, dogs which means this is considered very rare may experience an immune or allergic reaction to ingredients in the vaccines Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock Risk Assessment Serious side effects of vaccines are very rare. It is a certainty that vaccinations protect your dog from potentially life-threatening diseases. These diseases have a very high mortality rate, and your dog is at risk if he is unvaccinated. The vaccines themselves have a very low risk of causing a serious reaction in your dog. For this reason, your veterinarian will often ask you to stay at the clinic for a period of time following vaccine administration so that any reaction can be reversed. Summary We have given you the average costs of dog and puppy vaccinations to help you include this in your budget for your pet. Vaccinations that are recommended for your pet should be discussed with your veterinarian based on your lifestyle and the laws and region in which you live. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Ear Mites Heartworm Preventatives Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a type of filarid, a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, and other animals, such as ferrets and even, under very rare circumstances, humans. Heartworm infection may result in a serious disease for the host. Heartworm disease is preventable with such products as Tr-Heart Plus! Protect your dog or cat from heartworm disease by giving medication once monthly, year-round or as directed by your veterinarian. Contact us for pricing. It can happen. Fleas and ticks can silently invite themselves onto your pet and into your yard and families home. These pests can then harm your pet by laying eggs and maturing into adult fleas and ticks. Ticks in some cases carry such diseases as Lyme Disease which can infect both you and your pet. A simple to use once a month spot on or tablet can help kill fleas and ticks on your dog or cat and prevents re-infestation. Please contact us for pricing to help with controlling an infestation before flea and tick season hits! Microchipping Not all pet microchips are created equal. There are important differences to consider when selecting a microchip. Using these microchips safeguards pets and helps to increase the chance that the pet will be reunited should it ever become lost, compared to pets that only wear collar tags. There are several different pet microchip systems in use today in the United States. They differ according to the frequency of the microchip and whether the microchip is encrypted. Encrypted microchips are not ISO-compliant, and can be read only by a scanner designed to read that specific, encrypted microchip. If a veterinarian or animal shelter does not own that specific scanner, it limits the chance of that microchip being read and the possibility of that pet being reunited with its owner. At TLC we only use microchips that contain an individual, preprogrammed code that is permanent, unique worldwide, and cannot be altered. Please go to www. Distemper Canine distemper virus CDV is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Fortunately, vaccines are very effective in reducing its presence to very small numbers in well cared-for dogs. Stray dogs can be a source of the virus, as well as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, which can also be affected by this disease. It is possible for humans to contract an asymptomatic CDV infection. Anyone who has been immunized against measles, which is a related virus, is protected against CDV as well. The virus is spread primarily by direct contact to a susceptible dog from a dog with the disease. Coughing can spread the virus. The discharge from the nose is highly concentrated with the virus. As with many infections, the clinical signs can vary from one dog to the next. The main signs are fever, loss of appetite, a thick yellow discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, and seizures. There are many diseases that cause coughing, fever, loss of appetite, or seizures. However, this combination is unique to canine distemper. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a blood test should be performed for confirmation. Dogs usually develop encephalomyelitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, the symptoms of which are variable and progressive. Most dogs that die from CDV, die from neurological complications. Antibiotics can be used because to treat secondary bacterial infections that may occur. Intravenous fluids, cough suppressants, and drugs to control seizures may be used. Intensive nursing care is essential as there are no drugs to kill the virus. This is best accomplished with the dog in the hospital. A very effective vaccine is available to protect dogs against distemper. It is given to puppies, as young as 6 weeks of age, in a series of injections. An annual booster vaccination should be given for life. The disease often kills. The virus is especially lethal to puppies. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the fur or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. It is transmitted by contact with parvovirus-infected dog feces or with an object that has come into contact with infected dog feces. Dogs that never leave their home or have no direct contact with other dogs should still have the parvovirus vaccination. The disease does not affect people or cats. Certain breeds of dogs are resistant to parvovirus vaccination and can be more susceptible to parvovirus infection. It is recommended that puppies of these breeds be given an additional parvovirus vaccination at 20 weeks-of-age. Individual dogs of those breeds that go to dog shows, dog classes, dog parks, or dog runs or visit any location which dogs have frequented may benefit from receiving a parvovirus vaccination every six months rather than just annually. The symptoms of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. Many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat. There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. The virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes deterioration of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infection of the bloodstream. When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, chances are greater that the animal will die. Dogs with CPV infection can recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. Some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds. The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte levels. This requires intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to reduce the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six to eight weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Corona Virus This virus is airborne and passed from dog to dog. Corona virus is highly contagious and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and occasionally death. The disease is similar to parvovirus disease. Corona virus disease is a viral intestinal infection of dogs, which is usually of short duration. However it causes considerable discomfort to the dog for a few days. Corona virus does not affect people or cats. The virus is usually ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with the infected dog. Crowding and unsanitary conditions can also increase transmission. The incubation period from ingestion to display of symptoms is one to five days. There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs, all of which may appear similar to corona virus disease. Severe cases of corona virus can be easily confused with parvovirus, and they may occur together. See your veterinarian promptly if your dog has diarrhea that does not resolve in a few days or is associated with significant loss of appetite or energy. Many infections are mild and transient. Infections and outbreaks are more severe in young puppies. Mixed infections, for instance with parvovirus, may intensify the disease. Diarrhea is sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite. The stool is loose, mushy with a strong odor, and red-orange tinted. It may contain blood or mucus. As with most viruses, there are no medications to treat this disease, it will run its course in a few days. Antibiotics are used because secondary bacterial infections are common. Withholding food until 24 hours after the diarrhea has ceased and gradually reintroducing it may be sufficient. Dehydration may occur and must be corrected with intravenous fluids. It is best to seek veterinary assistance in treating this disease. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Leptospirosis Vaccination Minimum age — 6 weeks: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affects the blood, liver, or kidneys. Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver, causing uremia, jaundice, and death. The disease is highly contagious. It is carried by many species of wild and domestic animals, including rats. It is transmitted to dogs and people via contact with infected animals or through contaminated drinking water. Ingestion of infected urine is the most common means of transmission, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or very thin skin. The incubation period is usually days. Cats are extremely resistant to leptospirosis. Many infections go undetected, but other cases can be life threatening. There are three main forms of the disease: hemorrhagic bleeding , icteric liver , and renal kidney. In the hemorrhagic disease there is high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite. Multiple small hemorrhages occur in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting may occur. This form is often fatal. The jaundice form begins much like the hemorrhagic form, and many of the signs are the same. It differs in the presence of a yellow color in the mouth and whites of the eyes. In severe cases in dogs with white hair, the skin will turn yellow. The renal form causes kidney failure. These dogs are very lethargic, anorectic, and experience vomiting. Their mouth may have a very bad odor, and the ulcers often develop on the tongue. This form may be fatal, but recovered dogs often have chronic kidney disease. If medical treatment is begun promptly, antibiotics are reasonably effective. For dogs that are extremely sick hospitalization for treatment with intravenous fluids, is necessary. The vaccine for leptospirosis should be included in the routine vaccination program by veterinarians. This usually results in lethargy for several days and possibly loss of appetite. These dogs recover and are then protected against the disease. Bordetella Also known as Kennel Cough or Infectious Bronchitis The Bordetella organism causes inflammation of the tubes in the lungs and bronchi, making infectious bronchitis a much better term. This air born virus attacks the upper respiratory tract and is passed from dog to dog. If you plan to board your dog, the kennel may require this vaccination. Several viruses and bacteria may cause it. These include the adenovirus type-2 virus, the parainfluenza virus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb. The infection, an extremely contagious respiratory disease of dogs spreads rapidly from dog to dog in kennels, grooming shops, shows and training classes. The disease is spread by direct contact and via airborne transmission. Other symptoms include discharge from the eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Although coughing is usually mild, it may persist for several weeks. Bordetella is often a complicating secondary part of other diseases such as canine distemper. Bordetella vaccine is given once yearly, except for the first time when it is given injections, two to four weeks apart until 16 weeks-of-age, and then once a year for life. Intranasal drops in the nose vaccines give faster and better protection than do injectable vaccines. The disease is treatable but may last for up to eight weeks, during which time the affected dog is highly contagious to other dogs. If untreated, the disease can progress to pneumonia and death. At TLC we only use the intranasal in the nose type of kennel cough vaccine as it is quicker and more effective than injectable. We recommend this vaccine to all dogs, especially for dogs that are to be boarded within a week or so of vaccination and thus do not have enough time to get the two bordetella injections three to four weeks apart with injectable. Dogs in their own back yards that never may leave are still susceptible up to yards from an infected dog. The virus easily carries on the air current infecting the animal. Viruses must run their course, which may take weeks. Antibiotics are useful against the bacteria involved, although some resistance to some antibiotics has occurred. Cough suppressants are used to break the cycle of coughing. Epidemiological evidence shows that the isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb from cats is frequently associated with the presence, in the same household, of dogs with recent respiratory tract disease. Bb infection in cats has been reported following outbreaks of kennel cough in dogs within the same households. There have been cases that prove molecules from both cats and dogs were shown to be identical. This suggests that infectious bronchitis may be transmitted between dogs and cats. Rabies Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain. It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal. It is primarily transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to man through the bite of an infected animal. In order to control the spread of rabies, all pets must be vaccinated routinely. Rabies is a viral disease which affects all species of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal that has rabies virus in its saliva. Rabies virus travels in the nerves from the site of the bite to the brain and spinal cord. Rabid animals undergo personality changes during the course of the disease; these changes may include aggression and biting or increased friendliness and affectionateness. Rabies is ever present in the South West in wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats. Law in all states requires rabies vaccination of dogs. Rabies vaccination of cats is not, but should be, because there are more reported case of rabies in cats than dogs, which also expose more humans to the disease. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated against rabies at four months-of-age. The absolute minimum age is 16 weeks. If in doubt about the exact age of a puppy or kitten, wait until tooth eruption indicates that the patient is at least 16 weeks-of-age. Dogs and cats that are under one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for only one year. The next rabies vaccination must be given one year after the initial one. Dogs and cats that are over one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for three years. There are three stages of the disease. The first is the prodromal phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet dog becomes agitated, and the active dog becomes nervous or shy. Other symptoms include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects. After days, the second phase begins. It is called the excitatory phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus. Dogs may experience changes in appetite including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The dog may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon himself, and have a change in voice. There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards his guardian. Seizures may occur. His mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in resulting in total body paralysis. There are a number of diseases that can cause some of the signs of rabies. A few conditions can be very similar. Confirmation of rabies can only be made with special tests performed on brain tissue. This requires that the dog be euthanized and its head sent to a special diagnostic laboratory. Rabies is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal to another mammal. But even then, the virus is present in saliva of the infected animal for a limited time. If you are bitten by any animal of which you do not know the rabies vaccination status, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Try to establish who owns the animal and whether the pet is currently vaccinated for rabies. In any case, seek the advice of your physician. Post-exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended. This is very successful when begun quickly. Rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. It is recommended for all dogs, and, required by law in many locales. The public health concern is so significant that even totally indoor dogs should be vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years depending on the vaccine and the local laws thereafter. Giardia Giardia infections can cause significant gastrointestinal disease including diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Giardia is a parasite that lives in many unexpected sources. Your pet can be infected with Giardia simply by drinking contaminated water or by licking its paws after walking in an infected area. Once ingested, Giardia lives in the intestines of the pet, and is returned to the environment through feces. This disease frequently occurs in dogs and cats, and is the most prevalent protozoal disease in humans according to Centers for Disease Control reports. Symptoms of giardia in humans and pets include diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Many pets contract the disease and do not show signs of it. However, they can pass the parasite to other animals. Although the potential for pain in infected pets is not known, humans with giardia can suffer from intense abdominal pain and cramping. Dogs and cats are susceptible to disease caused by Giardia, especially puppies and kittens. Their maturing immune system often leaves them unable to protect themselves from diseases. As a result, puppies and kittens are considered among the highest risk groups. Most dogs that are infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea or any other signs of illness. When the eggs are found in the stool of a dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. In puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal. Giardia is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Occasionally, the parasites may be seen on a direct smear of the feces. A blood test is also available for detection of antigens cell proteins of Giardia in the blood. This test is probably more accurate than the stool exam, but it requires several days to get a result from the laboratory performing the test. The antibiotic drug used to kill Giardia is metronidazole. Medication should be given for days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. Giardia can also cause diarrhea in humans. Environmental disinfection is very important. The use of chlorine bleach, one cup in a gallon of water, is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it. Lyme Disease This disease is carried by ticks, so any dog you will be taking camping, hunting, or anywhere ticks are found should be vaccinated. Lyme disease not Lymes is a bacterial disease transmitted through tick bites. It takes 24 hours-or-so after attachment to your dog for an infested tick to transmit the disease. The disease can damage many body systems but most often causes fever, loss of appetite, arthritis, and lameness. Lyme disease is contracted via the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, and it continues to spread to new areas. The signs of Lyme disease include a bulls eye rash at the site of the tick bite, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and lameness. Complications of this disease can include heart and nervous system. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective if begun early, but diagnosis of the disease is difficult, so treatment is commonly started too late to be fully curative. Lyme disease can affect people; however they do not get it directly from pets. They get it from being bitten by the same ticks that transmit it to cats and dogs. Therefore, preventing exposure to ticks is important for you and your pet. Many people with Lyme disease notice a rash at the site of the bite within 3 to 30 days. For these people, the disease can be easily diagnosed at an early stage. Symptoms of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people. This rash does not develop in dogs or cats. Because the other symptoms of the disease may be delayed or not recognized, and because they are similar to those of many other diseases, Lyme disease in animals is often not considered until other diseases have been eliminated. Some pets are affected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be throughout their whole body. Pets with lameness, swollen joints, and fever are suspected of having Lyme disease. Other diseases may also cause these symptoms. There are two blood tests that may be used for confirmation. The first is an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual spirochete in the blood but detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. A test can be falsely negative if the pet is infected but has not yet formed antibodies, or if he never forms enough antibodies to cause a positive reaction. This may occur in animals with suppressed immune systems. Some pets that have been infected for long periods of time may no longer have enough antibodies present to be detected by the test. A positive test is meaningful, but a negative is not. The second test is the polymerase chain reaction PCR test. This is also known as DNA testing. It is very specific and sensitive. Not all pets have the spirochete in their blood cells. If a blood sample is tested, a false negative may occur. The best sample for testing is the fluid from an affected joint. The initial antibiotic selected to treat an infected pet may not be effective against the disease, especially if the infection is long-standing. In this situation, a switch to another antibiotic is often effective. Occasionally, the initial infection will recur, or the pet will become reinfected after being bitten by another infected tick. There is no vaccine available for cats. A vaccine is now available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. This vaccine is initially given twice, at two-week intervals. Rattlesnake Vaccine Rattlesnakes live a variety of habitats. They are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from spring to fall. Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live in rattlesnake habitat. Perhaps you travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Maybe rattlesnakes are around when you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Like people, dogs may stumble over the location of a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. In each case, vaccination helps to protect her. The damage caused by a rattlesnake bite can be serious. When injected into an unprotected dog, the toxic components of snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your dog survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, she can be permanently injured. The treatment of a rattlesnake bite is expensive. The treatment of snakebite may include antivenom injections that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids or other medicines. Vaccination is safer than antivenom treatment. Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for antivenom, and decrease other treatment costs as well. The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually in the Spring, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat. This process makes vaccination safer than antivenom treatment. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. Antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenom. This means vaccinated dogs experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite. Snakebite is always an emergency. Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful. Because there are many different poisonous snakes, Red Rock Biologics is developing a variety of vaccines to provide the best protection against poisonous snakes for dogs in each part of the country. Ask your veterinarian which available vaccine formulation is best for your dog. The most common types of these parasitic worms are roundworms and hookworms. They are both intestinal parasites that live and grow in the intestines of your pet. Most pets show no sign of infection, however, some may vomit, lose their appetite, sustain severe weight loss and heavy infections in puppies and kittens may be fatal. These roundworms and hookworms can also infect people and are known as zoonotic infections. People get roundworm and hookworm infection with direct contact with infected feces that are often found in soil, sand or plant life and hookworms can actually penetrate the skin. Children are more vulnerable than adults as they are more likely to put dirty objects in their mouth and play on the ground with dirt that may be contaminated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 10, cases of human infection with roundworms alone per year. Inside the human body, roundworms may cause damage to tissue and sometimes cause permanent nerve or eye damage and even blindness. Hookworms typically move about within the skin of humans, causing inflammation or can penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs. Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. A worm called Dirofilaria immitis causes this disease. Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. One dog may have as many as worms. Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. It is unusual, however they have been found in other areas of the body. They survive up to five years and, during this time; the female produces millions of young microfilaria. The microfilaria lives in the bloodstream, mainly in the small blood vessels. The immature heartworms cannot complete the entire life cycle in the dog; the mosquito is required for some stages of the heartworm life cycle. The microfilaria are not infective cannot grow to adulthood in the dog — although they do cause problems. There are many as 30 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouthparts of the mosquito. The microfilariae are now called infective larvae because at this stage of development, they will grow to adulthood when they enter a dog. The mosquito bites the dog where the hair coat is thinnest, but having long hair does not prevent a dog from getting heartworms. When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels, where they grow to maturity in two to three months and start reproducing, completing the full life cycle. Most dogs infected with heartworms do not show any signs of disease for as long as two years. By the time symptoms are observed, the disease is well advanced. Adult worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the valve action in the heart. When the main blood vessels become clogged, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly the liver, kidneys and lungs, which leads to the malfunction of these organs. The signs of heartworm disease depend on the number of adult worms present, the location of the worms, the length of time the worms have been present, and the degree of damage to the dogs organs. The most obvious signs are a soft, dry, chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness, and loss of stamina. All of these signs are most noticeable following exercise, when some dogs may even faint. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope will often reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. In advanced cases, congestive heart failure may be apparent and the abdomen and legs will swell from fluid accumulation. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exercise or excitement. Destruction of lung tissue leads to coughing. Cirrhosis of the liver causes jaundice, anemia, and general weakness because this organ is essential in maintaining a healthy animal. The kidneys may also be affected and allow toxins to buildup in the body. In most cases, diagnosis of heartworm disease can be made by a blood test that can be run in the veterinary hospital or by a veterinary laboratory. Further diagnostic procedures are essential, in advanced cases particularly, to determine if the dog can tolerate heartworm treatment. Depending on the case, your veterinarian will recommend some or all of the following procedures before treatment is started. Blood tests are the most widely used test because it detects antigens proteins produced by adult heartworms. Dogs with less than five adult heartworms will not have enough antigens to turn the test positive, so there may be some false negative results in early infections. Because only the female worm produces the antigen detected, a pure population of male heartworms will also give a false negative. There must be at least five female worms present for the most common test to be positive. A blood sample is examined under the microscope for the presence of microfilariae. If microfilariae are seen, the test is positive. The number of microfilariae seen will suggest the severity of the infection. However, the microfilariae are seen in greater numbers in the summer months and in the evening, so these variations must be considered. Because of this, the antigen test is the preferred test. Also, there is another microfilarial parasite that is fairly common in dogs; on the blood smear, these can be hard to distinguish from heartworm microfilariae. There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare. In the past, the drug used to treat heartworms contained arsenic so toxic effects and reactions occurred somewhat frequently. Now a newer drug is available that does not have the toxic side-effects of the old one. An injectable drug to kill adult heartworms is given for two days. It kills the adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels. Complete rest is essential after treatment. The adult worms die in a few days and start to decompose. As they break up, they are carried to the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body. This can be a dangerous period so it is absolutely essential that the dog be kept quiet and not be allowed to exercise for one month following treatment. The first week after the injections is very critical because the worms are dying. A cough is noticeable for seven to eight weeks after treatment in many heavily infected dogs. Approximately one month following treatment to kill the adults, the dog should return to the veterinian for administration of a drug to kill microfilariae. Seven to ten days later another blood test is performed to determine if microfilariae are present. If they have been all killed, the treatment is complete. If there are still some present in the blood, treatment for microfilariae is repeated. Although a dog has been successfully treated for heartworms, the dogs can be reinfected. It is essential to begin a heartworm prevention program immediately after the treatment is completed. Roundworms As their name implies, these are worms that have round bodies. On average, they are about inches long. Unlike hookworms, they do not attach to the intestinal wall; instead they swim in their food. Like hookworm eggs, they must be found with a microscope. Puppies born to mothers that have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to puppies before birth. Swallowing roundworm eggs that contain infective larvae may infect both puppies and adult dogs. After several weeks, the larvae make their way back to the intestine to mature. They are not highly harmful to adult dogs, but large numbers can cause weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance to puppies and weak adults. Decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea will be observed on occasion. Roundworms can be fatal to puppies. They pass a moderate number of eggs, so examination of more than one stool sample may be necessary to find them. Treatment is very safe and effective drugs are available to kill roundworms in the intestine. Some of these drugs temporarily anesthetize the worms so that they pass out of the dog with a normal bowel movement. The live or dead worms are found in the stool. Because of their large size, they are easily seen. At least two or three treatments are needed; they are typically performed at week intervals. None of these treatments will kill the immature forms of the worm or the migrating larvae. The eggs are highly resistant to most commonly used disinfectants and to even harsh environmental conditions. This does not, however, kill the eggs. The roundworms of both dogs and cats pose a health risk for humans. As many as 10, cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in one year. Children, in particular, are at risk for health problems should they become infected. A variety of organs may be affected as the larvae migrate through the body. In suitable environments, the eggs may remain infective to humans and to dogs and cats for years. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent roundworm infections. These products will not kill the adult roundworms so they must be treated if present. Hookworm Infection Hookworms are parasites that get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Despite their small size, they suck large amounts of blood from the tiny vessels in the intestinal wall. A large number of hookworms can cause anemia. This problem is most common in puppies, but it will occasionally occur in adult dogs. A dog may become infected when it swallows hookworm larvae immature worm. The larvae may also penetrate the skin and migrate to the intestine to mature and complete its life cycle. If a pregnant dog has hookworms, the pregnancy may reactivate larvae. The most significant problems appear related to intestinal distress and anemia. Blood loss results from the parasites attaching to intestinal capillaries. Some dogs experience significant weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or failure to grow properly with hookworm infection. Skin irritation and itching can be one of the common signs of a heavy infestation. The larvae burrow into the skin and cause the dog a great deal of itching and discomfort. Hookworms are diagnosed with a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since there are so many eggs produced on a daily basis, they are rather easily detected. One adult female hookworm can produce as many as 20, eggs a day. In puppies, large numbers of worms usually must be present before eggs are shed into the stool. For this reason, fecal examination may be less reliable in very young puppies than in adult dogs. There are some available that are safe to use on grass. Adult hookworms do not infect humans, although the larvae can burrow into human skin. This causes itching, commonly called ground itch, but the worms do not mature into adults. Direct contact of human skin to moist, hookworm-infested soil is required. Fortunately, this does not occur very often if normal hygiene practices are observed. There are several very effective drugs that will kill hookworms. These are given by injection or orally and have few, if any, side effects. However, these drugs only kill the adult hookworms. Therefore, it is necessary to treat again in about weeks to kill any newly formed adult worms that were larvae at the time of the first treatment. A blood transfusion may be necessary in some dogs because of the rather severe anemia that can be produced. Puppies should be first treated at weeks of age. A nursing female dog should be treated with her pups; nursing may reactivate infection in the female. Prompt deworming should be given when parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate for pets at high risk for reinfection. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent hookworm infections. However, these products will not kill the adult hookworms, so dogs will need to be treated for adult hookworms first. Tapeworms This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches in length. As the tail end of the worm matures, the terminal segments break off and pass into the stool. Occasionally, the mobile segments can be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. These segments look like grains of rice and contain tapeworm eggs; the eggs are released into the environment when the segment dries. In order for a dog to become infected with the common tapeworm, the dog must swallow a flea that contains tapeworm eggs. The process begins when flea larvae swallow tapeworm eggs. Next, the dog chews or licks his skin as a flea bites; the flea is then swallowed. Tapeworms are not usually harmful to your dog. They may cause debilitation and weight loss when they occur in large numbers. Sometimes, the dog will scoot or drag his anus across the ground or carpet because the segments are irritating to the skin in this area. The adult worm is generally not seen, but the white segments that break away from the tapeworm and pass outside the body are almost always noticeable. Occasionally, a tapeworm will release its attachment in the intestines and move into the stomach. This irritates the stomach, causing the dog to vomit the worm. When this happens, a worm several inches in length will be seen. Control of fleas is very important in the management and prevention of tapeworm infection. Flea control involves treatment of your dog, the indoor environment and the outdoor environment where the dog resides. If the dog lives in a flea-infested environment, reinfection with tapeworms may occur in as little as two weeks. Because the medication that treats tapeworm infection is so effective, return of the tapeworms is almost always due to reinfection from the animals surroundings. A flea must be ingested for humans to become infected with the most common tapeworm of dogs. Most reported cases have involved children. The most effective way to prevent human infection is through aggressive flea control. The risk for infection with this tapeworm in humans is quite small but does exist. Treatment is simple and, fortunately, very effective. A drug that kills tapeworms is given, either orally or by injection. It causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. These drugs should not cause vomiting, diarrhea, or any other adverse side effects. They live in the colon of dogs where they cause severe irritation. This results in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and an overall decline in health. They are one of the most pathogenic worms found in dogs. Whipworms pass microscopic eggs in the stool. They mature and are able to reinfect the dog in days. The eggs are swallowed and return to the lower intestinal tract to complete the life cycle. Whipworms are diagnosed by finding eggs with a microscopic examination of the stool. Multiple samples are often required because these parasites pass small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis. Any dog with chronic diarrhea can be reasonably suspected to have whipworms, regardless of several negative stool examinations. It is customary practice to treat for whipworms based on assumption of infection. Response to treatment is an indication that whipworms were present but could not be detected on fecal examination. There are several drugs that are very effective against whipworms. Two treatments are needed at a week interval, but because reinfection is such a problem, it is advisable to treat again every months or to put the dog on a heartworm prevention product that contains an ingredient that prevents infection with whipworms. Whipworms are not nearly as common now because of widespread use of the types of heartworm prevention products. Whipworms are not infectious to people; they are parasites of dogs. Ear Mites Ear Mites While there are several types of mites that may infect cats and dogs, Otodectes cynotis is the mite most commonly seen. Ear mites are an external parasite that causes significant discomfort. Ear mites can live on any part of the body, although they generally live in the ears. This is the most common cause of inflammation of the outer ear canal in the animals. They are most often seen in kittens and puppies, but they can affect cats and dogs of any age and are extremely contagious. The mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. With repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canal. This debris, caused by mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid resembles coffee grounds. In long-term cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections creating even more stress on the animal and making treatment more difficult. Other indications the animal may display are head shaking, scratching the ears, which leads to sores, reddish-brown to black discharge in the ears, and an odor from the ears. Sometimes there may be no observable signs of ear mites. In chronic cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections that complicate the treatment, creating more stress on the animal. Damage to the ear could include a thickening of the skin or infection that is caused by the cat or dog damaging the skin by scratching, and bacteria entering these wounds. The life cycle of an ear mite lasts about twenty-one days from egg to adult, entails going through four stages: 1. The Eggs — Female ear mites usually lay about 5 eggs daily during their entire adult life. Deposited on the surface lining of the ear canal, the eggs hatch within 4 days. The Larvae — Once hatched from the eggs, the larvae feed for 4 days then rest for 24 hours as they molt. The Nymphs — Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days and then rests and then molts to the next stage. There can be literally thousands of mites crawling about the ear canal and external ear surfaces. Ear mites do not burrow into the skin. They are communicable from one animal to another by direct contact. A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by either visualization of the mites with an otoscope or microscopic examination of the ear discharge. Although some cats and dogs show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. In most cats and dogs with ear mites, if you briskly rub the ear canal area the animal will respond by automatic scratching movements of the back leg. Triggering this automatic scratching movement seldom occurs in animals that do not have ear mites. Your veterinarians will check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-pet households. There are a number of medications used to treat ear mites in cats and dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe an effective product, be sure to have a follow-up exam done four weeks after prescribed treatment. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 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adorable golden retriever puppy gif - Here at Laughing Dog we feel it is important to educate fur-baby owners on the healthiest ways to feed their growing pooch to ensure they reach their full potential of being that strong, sociable and loving pooch. When to stop soaking dry food for puppies? It is recommended that puppy food is soaked from the age of weeks up to 12 weeks. However there is no set rule for this, some puppies or even older dogs will always prefer to eat dry food when soaked and it is providing your puppy or dog with more water intake, so certainly nothing wrong with that! Be sure to use warm or hot water to moisten the dry food, the idea is to make it softer for developing teeth! But always allow time to cool before providing the food to your puppy. How to soak dry food for puppies? As puppies from the age of weeks will be transitioning to soaked dry puppy foods, they are still very tiny at this point so make sure the food is accessible, without them having to climb over high rimmed bowls. Many puppy owners use a flat surface or plate to place the dry food on, pour warm water over it and soak for minutes. Give it a quick mix, check the temperature is okay then place on the floor for the puppy to access. How long should puppy food be soaked? It usually takes minutes to soak puppy food enough for it to loosen and soften. This makes it easier for young puppies to chew as they are only just developing their teeth. Make sure if you have used hot water that it is cool enough to give to your puppy — this might take longer than minutes. How much food should I give my puppy? Introduce Laughing Dog puppy complete food at around 6 weeks of age and continue feeding until your puppy reaches adult age. At this stage, a change to Laughing Dog adult complete is recommended. It is advisable to soak dry food for puppies under 12 weeks of age. When introducing Laughing Dog, do so gradually over a period of 7 days, increasing the proportion of food each day. How often should I be feeding my puppy? It is recommended to feed your puppy four meals a day up until the age of 4 months weeks , and then reduce their feed to three meals a day until they are 6 months old. They can then move to two meals a day, and stay on this routine for the rest of their life. What should I be feeding my puppy? If you are a breeder, however, it is important to know the stages a puppy goes through in those very early weeks, to ensure they get the right nutrients from the off. What to feed a puppy aged weeks From the age of weeks the weaning process starts, at this point small introductions to puppy food is welcome, however, it should be noted that at this stage puppies have only just started teething and it can take them up to the age of 6 weeks to have developed their teeth. Therefore, we would always recommend soaking dry food for puppies in warm or hot water from the age of 3 to 4 weeks to help them eat it easier. What to feed a puppy aged 6 weeks From the age of 6 weeks your puppy should be able to eat solid foods, many owners still choose to soak their food at this time and puppies who have just developed their teeth will welcome the softness! What to feed a puppy aged weeks As a new puppy owner, collecting your newbie at around weeks of age, your fur-baby should be well customed to eating a certain type of puppy food from the breeder. It is always recommended to initially keep them on this same type of food when you first get them home and gradually wean them onto your own choice. Laughing Dog offers their highly recommended Grain Free Puppy Complete Chicken, carefully formulated to provide your puppy with all of the essential nutrients to grow up big and strong. A puppy grows around 20 times faster than an adult dog and they, therefore, require regular feeding and the right ingredients to go onto live a full and happy life. Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Most owners know that puppies need food specifically made to promote growth and development. However, many owners struggle to determine when the time is right to switch to adult dog food. This is because there is no rule that applies to all dogs. Different dogs grow at different rates. You and your vet can estimate the best time to make the change to your puppy's diet. Feeding Puppy Food Puppies need more calories than adult dogs to support their growth, development, and high energy levels. Young puppies need about twice the number of calories as adult dogs of the same size. As your puppy approaches adulthood, his growth begins to slow and his caloric needs decrease. If you continue to feed puppy food once your dog stops growing, it will result in weight gain. Excess weight can quickly turn into obesity , which can lead to a host of health problems. When to Switch to Adult Food In general, dogs are considered puppies until about one year of age. However, different breeds age at different rates. For example, many large and giant breed dogs are considered puppies until two or more years of age and will therefore need to remain on puppy food beyond age one. Conversely, some small dog breeds reach adult size before the age of one. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to your dog's diet, so ask for advice before making the switch to adult food. When deciding on the right time to feed adult dog food, the goal is to switch to adult food around the time the puppy stops growing but before he starts gaining excess weight. Keep track of your puppy's weight and height and look for the numbers to increase at a slower rate. Most dogs will begin to reach a plateau around one year of age, but you might notice the growth slow down as early as eight or nine months of age. Assessing Your Dog's Weight Be aware that weight gain does not necessarily indicate growth. If your dog is gaining weight but not getting taller or more muscular, he may be getting overweight. You can address your dog's body condition at home in a few steps: Run your hands along your dog's ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. If you cannot easily feel the ribs, your dog may be overweight. Look at your dog from the side. You should be able to see the upward tuck of the belly. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck. View your dog from above. There should be some narrowing at the waist just past the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog. Very prominent ribs and a very small waist may mean your dog is underweight. Visit your vet for an exam to be sure. If your dog is less than a year old and seems to be gaining weight, you may need to simply reduce the portion size or frequency of meals before you switch to adult food. Vets recommend feeding young puppies three times per day. However, most puppies can go down to meals a day when they are approaching adulthood. How to Make the Diet Change Any diet change should be done gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. This process can take a week or two depending on how you do it. It may take some time and research to choose the right food for your now-adult dog. You may wish to stick with the same brand of food but switch to an adult formula. Of course, your vet can help you find an appropriate diet. Once you have chosen the adult dog food, determine the portion size of adult food you will eventually need to feed based on your dog's current weight. Then, add a small percentage of adult food to the puppy food, increasing it a little at each meal. For simplicity, you may want to work out a schedule so you are not trying to remember how much of each to feed. Slow the transition if your dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting. If GI upset continues, you may need to choose a different adult diet and re-start the transition. Contact your vet if your dog has vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day. Watch your dog's weight over the coming months to make sure you don't need to adjust portion times. Also, be sure to keep up with annual or biannual veterinary wellness check-ups as recommended by your vet. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! Regardless, it is best to feed your puppy their old food for at least two weeks if you can. Then, you want to swap the proportions. After a few days, you can give your puppy only the new food. The most common is diarrhea. It might be worth a trip to the vet if your pup starts throwing up their meals, refuses to eat, or has allergic reactions to the new food. French Bulldog Puppy Diets French Bulldog puppy diets may consist of kibble, wet food, raw food , or homemade food. Each of these has pros and cons. Some pet owners go all in and make their own dog foods. This can get complex, as, with raw or homemade food, you have to be sure to give your dog all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. It is also typically more expensive than prepared meals kibble or wet food. However, the benefits might be important if done correctly. You know exactly what your dog is eating, no questions asked. Frenchies often have allergies and sensitive tummies. So you should avoid foods with too much protein but make sure meat is still the first ingredient! Also avoid or limit grains, soy, and wheat, as these are common allergens. The number of calories your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and exercise levels. Different types of food will also have different calorie levels. For example, they will generally need to eat more wet food than kibble for a balanced meal, because canned food has fewer calories. At the start of the day, weigh out the right amount on some scales and divide it between five bowls. Four of these will make up regular meals spread throughout the day, the final bowl is for you to put aside to use as training treats or to reward good behavior. This will help you to resist the temptation to use higher carb training treats. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy Kibble The most affordable option, when considering both your time and money, is kibble. The most time-consuming and expensive are raw and homemade diets. You can find it easily at the store, and your only prep time will be to open it and pour it into a bowl. The biggest con is that there are some low-quality brands of kibble out there. As in any business, some are just in it for the money. However, these disadvantages can be overcome by choosing a high-quality brand. Look out for formulas specifically tailored for French Bulldogs. Specialized recipes are carefully shaped to help them out. Another good thing about wet food is that it keeps your dog hydrated. However, due to the water in wet food, it has fewer calories. Your pup will need to eat more wet food than dry food, making it the more expensive of the two. Wet food is also messier than dry, especially if your pup is a messy eater. It also takes time to prepare as you will need to buy the ingredients individually, and prepare the meals. Raw food also requires more clean-up time than any other food. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy a Homemade Diet Feeding a puppy a homemade diet has many of the same pros and cons of feeding raw. Homemade food with properly cooked meats is less risky than a raw diet. It will still be costly and time-intensive though. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. In this section, we are going to discuss in detail how much to feed a French bulldog puppy. Like every dog, the French bulldog also needs a balanced diet since it was born to seniors. These figures we are giving here are average numbers because every dog is different and these numbers can different as well. You can follow these details as a general guideline to feed your puppy. Newborn puppies are just helpless. They cannot see because of their sealed eyelids. They are completely dependent on mummy French bulldogs. At this age, they just drink mummy milk, so you have nothing to do for the puppies. Their mother should take care of their puppies. You should simply ensure that their mother is caring for the puppies and that the mother dog is getting adequate rest and nutrition. From this age, Frenchie is able to see and hear as well, and even now they will be able to make noise too, but they still spend most of the time sleeping and feeding on mummy milk, which is good for them at this age. By this time, she would be ready to drink water from the bowl as well. If they are showing interest in drinking water from the bowl, then you should introduce them to a mushy mixture of puppy food and water. This food should contain mainly water. This mixture should be 3 parts of water and 1 part of dog food. This kind of food can be served to your Frenchies twice a day. And if you have already introduced them to puppy food with a mixture of water, then they should show interest in that as well. They eventually become independent of their mother. At the age of 6 weeks, they start to understand their surroundings. They should be eating mixed puppy food with water multiple times a day. They need regular replenishment because they exert a lot of energy. They are ready to go to their new home by the age of eight or nine weeks. At the age of 8 weeks, they should eat 4 meals a day, and throughout the meal, they eat approximately one and a half cups of puppy food. You should make sure that they are not overfed because obesity is a big problem with French bulldogs. According to their appetite, you should divide their meal portions for the whole day, but by the age of 9 months, 3 meals a day should be fine. They are growing rapidly, so you should make sure they are getting high-quality dog food with balanced nutrition. At the age of 10 weeks, they should have a well-established feeding routine, which is very important to monitor if they are getting proper nutrition during the day. They are very playful by the time At the age of 11 weeks, they should still eat one and a half cups of puppy food and they should follow the routine for a healthy lifestyle. Do not overfeed them. Try to avoid sharing your meal with them. Overfeeding is absolutely not good for their growth and development. By this time, they should be very familiar with their feeding routine and be ready to eat at mealtime. You should continue feeding them a balanced diet per the schedule. After 3 months now, you should start slowly increasing their meal size. The exact amount of meal size depends on their size, so you should make sure they are not overfed because they are known as lazy dogs, so if they get overfed they get overweight, which is not good for them. And they should not be underfed as well because they are still growing, so they should have a balanced diet. A piece or two of adult kibble is fine a couple of times a day. To avoid digestive issues, begin with a mix of half the adult dog food and half of the puppy dog food. As per the French bulldog growth chart, you should increase or decrease the small amount of food as per requirement. At about the age of 12 months, they are fully grown, and at their senior age, they need a change in their diet. Compared to growing French bulldogs, senior French bulldogs eat less and need fewer calories. About 3 to 4 weeks is a good age for weaned French bulldog puppies. When should I stop feeding my French Bulldog puppy food? For your French Bulldog, 9 to 12 months is a good time to slightly change from puppy food to adult food. How much dry food should I feed my French Bulldog? It depends on the age of the French bulldog puppies. For a 6-week-old puppy, you can feed 1 cup of dry food mixed with water about 3 times a day. The important thing to realize is that because puppies are still growing, they need more calories and nutrition than adults. In fact, feeding an adult diet to a puppy could lead to nutritional deficiencies. Likewise, feeding a puppy diet to an adult could cause excessive weight gain and its related issues. This is important to avoid, since obesity is the most common nutrition-related issue for canines. Knowing when to switch to adult dog food will help your puppy grow into a happy, healthy dog. Read on to learn how and when to switch to adult dog food. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Dog Food You should switch to adult dog food when your puppy is within the age range of months old. As you can see this is quite a big range, so this is just a general rule of thumb. Fully grown, these cute little canines generally weigh 12 pounds or less. Most tiny dogs should reach their adult weight, such as it is, around months old. Fully grown, they generally weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, and they will typically reach this adult weight at months of age. These dogs will reach a total of around 25 and 50 pounds at around months of age. At months of age, these dogs will reach their adult weight of 50 and pounds. These dogs will typically reach their adult weight between 12 and 24 months. Puppy foods have greater quantities of certain nutrients, including calories, because puppies require more macronutrients and minerals than an adult dog of the same size and weight. This important stage of growth and development requires a lot of energy, after all! This is why puppies are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment if they are fed adult dog food. Adult dog foods have been designed to accommodate the decrease of energy levels and growth that comes with maturity. For starters, puppies need more protein and fat than an adult dog of the same size. They also require higher concentrations of certain minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. For this reason, puppy food is more calorie- and nutrient-dense. You will find essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chloride all in greater concentrations in puppy food. Sometimes puppy foods are also supplemented with things such as extra omega-3 fatty acids. These can support healthy eye and brain development. Keep in mind that larger breeds can be at a greater risk of developmental diseases as a result of overly rapid growth. This is why large breed puppy foods have a little less fat, calcium, and phosphorus. They also have a very carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This ensures that they develop and grow at an appropriate and healthy pace. With that in mind, the best way to transition is slowly. This can even potentially lead to your dog refusing or disliking that particular type of dog food, because they associate it with feeling sick. So ease into it. A few days later, increase the amount of adult dog food to 40 percent, and reduce the amount of puppy food to 60 percent. Follow this pattern of increasing the amount of adult dog food, and make sure that you are removing the same amount of puppy food that you are adding in adult food. And if you run into any difficulties getting your dog to eat the new food, make sure to check out our guide on how to get your dog to eat. It has some helpful tips that might make the transition easier. Bully Max: A Dog Food For All Ages Transitioning to adult dog food the right way is a simple but important step to ensure your furry best friend is healthy and happy. Just make sure you make the switch at the appropriate time based on the breed of your dog.